OVERVIEW

With our unique campus designed specifically for the purpose of training working dogs in disaster and wilderness search, the Search Dog Foundation offers canine teams the opportunity to practice in realistic disaster scenarios before they face the real thing on deployment.

From a train wreck to a freeway collapse to Search City—a simulated neighborhood devastated by an earthquake, tornado or hurricane—and plenty of rubble piles all around, you will have a chance to see what it takes to prepare canines and their handlers to respond in the wake of disasters.

We rarely open our doors to the public for this type of event, so don’t miss your chance to learn more about what these amazing dogs can do!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• You can watch a video here to see our campus and get all the details listed below. Otherwise, please read below.
• This is a self-guided walking tour with many staff and volunteer docents to help guide you along the way. Search dog demonstrations will occur throughout the day, so you’ll have a few chances to observe them in action.
• Our large outdoor campus is nestled among the beautiful Ventura Foothills, and the tour begins at the bottom of the hill. Please keep in mind there are a few steeper inclines and some gravel.
• Our search dogs are the star of this show – no personal pets allowed.
• Wheeler Canyon Road (where we are located) is a popular walking and bicycling spot, so please drive slowly on your way up.
• There is no cell reception when you first turn onto Wheeler, but there is WIFI on our property you can use to make calls and texts as needed.
• In addition to our dogs onsite, our property is home to wild animals including rattlesnakes, so please mind where you step and stay on the paved roads and marked areas.
• Please wear close-toed shoes and dress accordingly. It can be cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoons, so dress in layers and bring sunscreen and hats!
• Food may be purchased via vendors on campus.
• Children may attend with purchased tickets and must remain under the direct supervision of their parent or guardian at all times.
• Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite and are nonrefundable.