National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

Rachael Ray’s Rescue Brigade

From Rescued to Rescuer…

Every day, SDF Recruiters comb shelters looking for the next Search Dog like Sonic, who was found in a Las Vegas rescue facility when he was brought to our attention for evaluation.

Our Recruiters assess hundreds of dogs each year from all over the country, looking for those with the innate drive, high energy and laser-like focus needed for Disaster Search. It is a huge undertaking and SDF is firmly committed to continuing the recruitment of rescued dogs who deserve a new “leash on life” and the chance to save lives after disasters.

But we can’t do it alone and thanks to you, we don’t have to!

Thanks to our generous supporters and The Rachael Ray Foundation, we successfully exceeded our $300,000 goal, with $360,152 raised through the Rachael Ray’s Rescue Brigade!  We send our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have helped us in this accomplishment, ensuring shelter dogs like Sonic are given a second chance.

Our work is never finished, but with The Rachael Ray Rescue Brigade fueling the way, the future is looking bright for rescued dogs across the country!

Together, we are giving them a family and a home.
Together, we are giving them a job they love.
Together, we are the Search Dog Foundation.

OUR LONGTIME FRIENDSHIP WITH THE RACHAEL RAY FOUNDATION

Since our partnership began seven years ago, Rachael Ray has been and continues to be one of our most generous supporters. A portion of the proceeds from each sale of Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Super Premium Foods and Treats is donated through The Rachael Ray Foundation to charities that help homeless pets and animals in need.

These grants play a significant role in our capacity to rescue dogs for training:

Finding a dog with the extreme athleticism, laser focus and insatiable drive needed for disaster search at a shelter is like finding “a furry needle in a haystack.” Our Canine Recruiters scour shelters and rescue groups across the country to identify strong candidates for our training program. It requires an immense amount of effort that includes medical screenings, behavioral evaluations, transportation, and engaging over 150 shelter and rescue groups.

Once rescued, every dog in the SDF family receives proper care and plenty of TLC, regardless of their career path. If a dog is unable to complete training, we will find them a permanent, loving home as part of our Lifetime Care Program. For our recruits in training, our active and retired Search Dogs, and the dogs in our Lifetime Care Program, SDF actively supports and assures their lives in a happy and healthy environment, whether it be providing daily care and food or directly funding medical treatments and wellness exams. Our Lifetime Care Credo means they will never need to be rescued again.