Screening Tests
The following tests are used by different organizations to determine a dog’s aptitude for different types of dog jobs:
Rescues 2the Rescue Screening Test - Contact Rescues 2the Rescue to have your shelter dog listed on their website
Search Dog Foundation Screening Test - Contact SDF to donate a dog
Medical/health screening recommendations for working dogs:
USAR Progress Checks
The following documents are the progress checks used by Texas A&M Task Force 1 to help assess how new canine teams’ training is progressing. The progress checks are completed every 8 weeks. Progress checks 1 - 3 are completed, then the team is ready for the FEMA Fundamental Skills Assessment, then progress checks 4 - 6 are to prepare for the FEMA Certification Evaluation.
Canine Safety
The following documents provide pre-deployment canine health and safety guidelines and checklists:
TEEX K9 Fit for Duty - This for is for an annual medical assessment for all deployable and in training canines to be completed by veterinarian familiar with USAR.
Field K9 Medical Kit - This is the complete list of supplies each TX-TF and Category 5 K9 handler carries on them in case of medical emergency during a search.
TX-TF Canine Medical Check-In - This form is filled out by a veterinarian or trained Medical Specialist on the task force as part of the handler’s deployment check-in process.
Canine Briefings
The following documents can be used to help guide briefings during search operations:
TX-TF Search Debrief Form - Guidance for what information to provide Search Managers or command staff after completing a canine search.