2025 SAR K9 Training - Trailing, HRD & Area Search Seminar

IMPORTANT: This seminar is designed for started/established teams. Attendees should have some experience with SAR and have done some foundation work with their dogs.

• HRD LAND Instructors: Greg Cole, Fred Mendiola, and Jason Klingensmith
• HRD WATER Instructor: Lisa Higgins
• Area Search Instructors: Sherrie Kinton and Judy Thigpin
• Tracking/Trailing Instructors – Morgan Weller and Caleb Landers

--> ATTENDEES SHOULD REGISTER FOR ONLY 1 CLASS TYPE. There are limited slots for teams bringing an extra dog for the one class being reserved. NOTE THAT CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED.

*** REGISTRATION CLOSES: Feb 7, 2025

Credit/Debit cards, Paypal and check. **If by check, we must receive payment by 2/7/2025 or the class reservation will be cancelled**. Refunds are on a case-by-case basis and will NOT include any processing fees charge by Eventbrite.

ATTENDANCE NOTE: Scheduled seminar class days will be Feb 20 - Feb 22. Feb 23 will be for administrative items and to allow instructors to provide additional time to any teams they feel require it.

For any questions regarding the seminar, email [email protected]

ADDITIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION

NO FIREARMS - portions of this seminar are being conducted on a school campus, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and other locations that restrict the carrying of weapons. Active/Sworn law enforcement personnel may request an individual exemption from this rule and need to contact Capt. W. T. Hyde at [email protected] to obtain one.

CRIMINAL HISTORY - due to the sensitive nature of some course content and the location of the seminar, attendees are subject to a BCSO law enforcement, background check. Attendance will not be permitted for individuals having a history of:

• Domestic Violence
• Child Abuse
• Sex Abuse
• Felonies

ANIMAL VACCINATIONS

It is the responsibility of all attendees to ensure their K9 is current on all vaccines. Florida requires "All dogs or cats, three (3) months of age and older, transported into Florida, including exhibition dogs or cats, Service Animals, Working Dogs, and privately owned pets traveling with their owners, must have proof of a current rabies vaccination." All attendees must be ready to provide proof of current rabies vaccination.

The host hotel for this event is:

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City
1030 E. 23rd Street, Panama City, Florida 32405

$106 pl tax/night (Feb 21-23) - NO PET FEE, Free Breakfast (35 rooms blocked)

$90 pl tax/night (Feb17-20)

Cutoff for group block for reservations February 7, 2025

Booking link and group code:

• Booking Link:

• Phone Reservations: Call 850-914-0022, and ask for group code CG02172025K9

MEALS

As part of the seminar fee, a box type lunch (sandwich, chips, snack - drinks NOT included) will be provided for each attendee with the exception of the last day. Should you have a special dietary need, it will be your responsibility to provide your own preferred meals while attending the seminar. There is no credit provided if you choose not to take the provided box lunch. While limited supplies of water will be available, each attendee should plan on bringing their own to meet the needs of being in the field with your K9.

NOTE: Handlers are responsible for all certification fees and will need to pay for those separately from the seminar fee directly to the certifying organization/agency.

• National Narcotics Detector Dog Assoc (NNDDA)- HRD certifications are available to qualifying civilian handlers with appropriate paperwork. Must be a member and membership fee is $55 (Civilians must provide a current Criminal History Record Check and letter verifying their eligibility for certification – please see ). You will need to provide proof of membership.

• National Network of Canine Detection Services (NNCDS) will be offering HRD Certifications for Civilian Handlers. Must be a member and membership fee is $15. Certification Test fee is $60 per certification (please see )

• National Organization Certifying Search and Rescue (NOCSAR) will be offering certifications in Area Search, Tracking and Human Remains Detection. The membership fee is $25 and the certification fee is $20 per certification (please email [email protected] or visit for additional information)

Host or Publisher Bay County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue - FL