Answer 1: We search for missing people. Including adults and children.
Answer 2: SARQuest is a multidisciplinary search team. We have many different resources available to assist emergency management agencies including certified man-trackers, trained grid and route searchers, trained navigators, search management teams, and canine teams.
Answer 3: SARQuest is called out for a search by law enforcement or other emergency management agencies. Only with the consent of the agency with jurisdiction will SARQuest respond to a search.
Answer 4: SARQuests primary response area is the Texas Gulf Coast area. However, we will respond to any search where we can reasonably provide assistance. Our Team Members have responded to searches from the Mexican Border to the Big Thicket in East Texas.
Answer 5: Absolutely! Each Search Team Member must complete a training program that includes all of the skills required to perform a safe and effective search mission.
Answer 6: An applicant can expect to spend about 6 months training (depending on their dedication and commitment) before they are qualified to work in the field on a search.
Answer 7: Our Team Members train about 4 hours per week most weeks of the year. We average about 160 hours of team training per member each year. Dog Handlers spend many more hours working independently with their dogs.
Answer 8: To become a Member of our Team, you must be 21, complete an application, successfully pass a criminal background investigation, and complete a number of training objectives before being voted into the Membership.
Answer 9: SARQuest is always looking for new members. If you are at least 21 years old, can pass a Criminal Background Investigation, and have the time and determination to train on weekends (typically Sundays) with the Team, you can apply for membership. The selection process lasts about 6 months and requires the candidate to complete a number of training objectives before being voted in to the Membership.
Answer 10: If you do not want to join the Team but still want to help, you can make a donation that will help us to train and respond to searches. Click on GET INVOLVED for more information.
Answer 11: People without dogs are a valuable asset to SARQuest. For each dog we field, we need a minimum of 3 people without dogs. There are many areas where people without dogs can help including search management, grid and route search, as well as helping to train and manage the significant number of concerned citizens eager to volunteer when a search occurs in their neighborhood.
Answer 12: Every dog is different but, in general, it takes from 6 months to 2 years to be qualified mission ready. Dogs with strong Play/Prey drive tend to learn the quickest. Prior to accepting a dog for training we will evaluate the dog's temperament and other traits to help you effectively train them.
Answer 13: We welcome dogs and their handlers and will train them for search operations as a team. Although we will welcome a person without a dog we will not accept a dog without a person.
Answer 14: SARQuest does not own any dogs. Each dog is handled and trained by its owner under the direction of our Lead Canine Trainer.