Membership

Berkshire Search & Rescue Dogs are always looking for new members. We are looking for;

• Dog Handlers
  
• Operational Support Members
  
• People to assist with Fundraising and other administrative tasks

For more information about training requirements please look here

Membership Levels

There are three categories of membership: Full (Operational and Non-Operational), Probationary and Friend.

Probationary, Full (Operational and Non-Operational) members
Potential new members (Probationary members) must attend normal training meetings on a regular basis for at least 4 weeks before their application may be considered by the Committee. During this period a Delta Bravo number should not be assigned, uniform or equipment should not be issued, and attendance at live operations or duties is not permitted.

Probationary Members are not covered by the BERKSHIRE SAR DOGS insurance policy and participate in events and training at their own risk.

Once an application has been submitted, the Committee members shall consider it in closed session (i.e. with no non-committee members present). If the Committee accept the application then the person becomes a Full (Non-Operational) member. They should then be allocated a Delta Bravo number and issued with the appropriate uniform and equipment.  Once a member has passed an approved ‘Search Technician Course’ or equivalent, and any necessary background checks have been successfully completed, they should be considered by the Committee for Full (Operational) membership.  Accredited prior learning can be considered by the committee.

Full (Operational) Members should be aged over 18 years and physically capable and Full Non-Operational) members should be aged over 18.

Friends
Friends are appointed by the Committee for special duties.
Fitness requirements are limited to those for the particular duties they will be performing. Background checks must be to the same level as those for Full (Operational and Non-Operational) members.

Friends are not covered by the BERKSHIRE SAR DOGS insurance policy and participate in events and training at their own risk.

Please read further for more information about joining the team. Click the button below to download an application form.

Discussion Forum

Please feel free to join the Search & Rescue Dogs forum to find out more about the work of Search & Rescue Dogs throughout the world.

Recomended Reading

We Recommend that you read the following books;

• Search & Rescue Dogs: Training the K-9 Hero - American Rescue Dog Association
  
• Ready!: Step-by-step Guide for Training the Search & Rescu Dog - Susan Bulanda
  
• Scent and the Scenting Dog - William G Syrotuck
  

Please purchase these books through our shop to help raise funds

Contact

Please feel free to contact the Membership Secreatry if you have any questions.