Certification in search and rescue techniques includes the following:

Level I Certification

• Proper command control
• Agility skills
• Barking alert skills - to notify the rescue of a find
• The canine's willingness to overcome innate fears of tunnels and wobbly surfaces under the guidance of the handler

Level II Certification

• The search animal to perform specific standards under the handler's direct supervision and guidance.
• Advanced certification requires the search animal to perform these tasks out of sight of the handler and to successfully search more difficult rescue simulation courses.
• Canine/handler teams are recertified every two years in order to participate in search and rescue operations.

Canine/handler teams are a vital part of the urban search and rescue program. These dogs love to serve and all the team members rely on these animals, not only in the difficult aspects of a disaster deployment, but to help relieve their stress as well.