Search & Rescue Dogs Ontario has provided a unique and valuable service to the many communities across Ontario since joining
         the Hamilton Police Service Volunteer Search & Rescue in 2002.  The Hamilton Police Service is one of the only Police agencies in
         Ontario where unpaid professional SAR Canine Teams are deployed within the service alongside regular members in ground search
         and rescue operations.

         Search and Rescue Dogs Ontario handlers are also members of the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA) under
         London Search & Rescue.  This affiliation allows the canine teams to certify annually to the OSARVA Search & Rescue Canine
         Adequacy Standards.

         All handlers attend yearly Ground Search & Rescue (GSAR) training with both the Hamilton Police Service as well as London Search
         & Rescue (OSARVA).  This training includes map & compass, GPS training, first-aid, CPR, wilderness survival, lost person
         behaviour, search patterns, etc.

         The canine teams are trained on and off-leash in tracking, area searching (air-scenting), article searching, obedience and agility. 
         The dogs are trained to find both live and deceased persons.