Based in the Richmond, Virginia area, K-9 Alert Search and Rescue Dogs, Inc was originally organized in March, 1989. The group was formed to help fill a geographic gap in Search and Rescue (SAR) dog resources in central Virginia. K-9 Alert is a member of the Virginia Search and Rescue Council and operates as a state resource under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

The group currently has fourteen active members and one associate member. Of these members, eight are operational for wilderness SAR and/or cadaver and all are call-out qualified. Members in-training assist dog handlers during searches with communication, navigation and record keeping. K-9 Alert requires all operational dog handlers to become Amateur Radio Operators, further aiding in communications in transit both to and from searches and during the actual search.

If you are interested in helping our group in some way please visit our help wanted page and see how you may be able to join us in helping our community.

K-9 Alert can be contacted in an emergency through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management located in Richmond, Virginia