Disaster Dogs of Illinois

Training programs are designed to certify K-9/handler teams for Urban Search and Rescue under NASAR or equivalent national standards. Training includes scent detection, debris navigation, endurance, and disaster scenario simulations. Teams must achieve certification before deployment. Training is not available to the public for pet dog training.

Pricing Summary

Services are provided at no cost to disaster victims; training is volunteer-based and funded by donations. No public pricing for pet training as services are not offered to the general public.

Disaster Dogs of Illinois is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that trains and certifies K-9 and handler teams for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) operations during natural or manmade disasters. Their teams are nationally certified through NASAR or other recognized agencies and deploy at no cost to locate missing, trapped, or buried victims. While their primary mission is disaster response, they offer training programs to develop working dog teams for USAR, focusing on scent detection, rubble navigation, and disaster-specific skills. Their training is rigorous, certification-based, and tailored to high-stress environments. They also maintain a “Care For Life” program for dogs that are not suitable for disaster work but are placed in loving homes. Their training philosophy emphasizes professional standards, handler dedication, and canine welfare.

They do not offer general dog training services for pet owners such as obedience, puppy training, or behavior modification for household dogs. Their training is exclusively for professional or volunteer USAR teams and is not available to the public as a commercial pet training service.

The organization relies on donations to fund training, equipment, and veterinary care for their K-9 teams.

They are not a commercial dog training business serving the general public.

Accomplishments

Disaster Dogs of Illinois is a certified, insured, and deployable K-9 USAR organization with a mission to establish three regional task forces across Illinois. They have trained and deployed certified teams for real disaster response and maintain a “Care For Life” program for retired or non-deployable dogs.

How to Get Started!

Interested individuals must apply to join as a volunteer handler; training is not open to the public. Prospective handlers must meet physical, emotional, and commitment requirements and undergo certification through NASAR or equivalent agencies.