What type of searches does MARK-9 do?
The MARK-9 team performs six types of searches: wilderness, urban, disaster, water, scent-discriminatory and cadaver.

A wilderness search may involve a child lost in the woods or hikers who have strayed.

Our urban search dogs search inhabited areas. For example, they are used when a resident walks away from a nursing home or when a child is lost in a neighborhood. They may also be used to search for victims in tornado wreckage or collapsed buildings.

A disaster search dog is trained to locate multiple victims in a large amount of damage. Urban and disaster searches may overlap.

Water recovery dogs have been known to find bodies in up to 240 feet of water by narrowing the search area to an approximately 30-foot square.

Scent-discriminatory dogs are trained to look for a specific person using a scent article, such as a piece of clothing.

And lastly, cadaver search dogs find bodies only.

When is a MARK-9 dog ready 'mission ready'?
MARK-9 dogs are trained in and must pass proficiency tests in wilderness, urban and disaster searches before they are deemed mission ready.

Do the MARK-9 SAR dogs require special care?
The SAR dog often requires a little extra care and maintenance — more trips to the vet, special diets, supplements and extra equipment. And although the dogs love the work, it can be stressful for them. MARK-9 trains its handlers to recognize and handle stress in their dogs. In return for the extra care, handlers have a special bond with the dog.

Does every MARK-9 team member handle a search dog?
No. In addition to the dog and handler teams, we have communications personnel, family liaison officers and a field assistance and support (FAS) team who work without a dog partner.

Are the dogs at risk?
These dogs are not expendable. The handlers retain the right to refuse to take their dogs into areas where the risk of injury is too great.

Can anyone request your services?
No. MARK-9 responds to calls from any municipality or government agency. The MARK-9 unit will organize and begin response within 20 minutes of a request for assistance. Arrival time will depend on the location of the incident. Our handlers are trained to integrate with any department and work within the Incident Command System, or we can work with your department to learn your command system.

What if the incident requires more members than the MARK-9 team has available?
If more dogs are needed we have access to a computerized database of additional teams.

Do you respond to calls outside the Dallas metroplex?
For calls from more than 100 miles outside the Dallas metroplex, we may be able to respond if the timeframe is reasonable and the transportation needs and housing are appropriate and available.

What is the cost for your service?
There is no charge for our service.

How do you provide a free service?
We are a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, but the cost of MARK-9 SAR and our educational programs can be significant. All costs not covered by community sponsors or private donations are covered by the handlers themselves. Any support from the community is greatly appreciated.

Do you accept donations?
Yes. Any support from the community is greatly appreciated. You can sponsor a dog or make a donation. For more information, please refer to the HOW TO HELP section of the Web site.

Do you have any educational programs?
MARK-9 is committed to the safety of the children in our community. To this end we have designed the Sit 'n Stay program. This program teaches children what to do if they are ever lost in the woods. The children also get to meet the dogs and get a brief class on bite prevention. It is available to children ages 5 and up. The program is free and available to schools, scout troops, boys and girls clubs, 4H clubs and church youth groups. We have programs for adults, too, including safety procedures for families and caregivers working with Alzheimers' patients.

Where can I find more information?
For more information on MARK-9 Search and Rescue please refer to the Contact section.