Canine 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.
Training on the current best practices in canine decontamination for working dogs is available through the Center for Forensic Training and Education.
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.