Evaluating Working Dogs

Evaluating Working Dogs - Event Overview

Event Name: Evaluating Working Dogs

Hosted by: Search Dog Foundation (SDF)

Location: SDF Campus, 6800 Wheeler Canyon Road, Santa Paula, CA

Date & Time: September 22, 2025. Check-in begins at 8:00am, and the event will run from 8:30am-11:30am (refreshments provided).

Cost: Free

Who’s it for? Shelter and rescue staff and volunteers

Event Description:

Join us for a FREE in-person training event at SDF's National Training Center to learn what to look for in potential working dog candidates and how to evaluate them in an animal shelter setting.

What to Expect:

· Search dog demos: Watch current search dog candidates tackle the rubble pile to find the missing person

· Evaluating a Detection Dog Candidate in an Animal Shelter presentation: Given by SDF's Canine Recruitment Outreach Manager, Katie Brennan

· Watch a LIVE search dog screening: You'll have the best seat in the house as we watch a search dog recruit go through our evaluation

· Earn CEUs: 1.5 CEUs can be earned for CPDT-KA certificants

· Engage with SDF staff and other shelter professionals: Connect with other shelter staff and volunteers, along with our SDF Recruitment Team!

What to Bring:

· For your safety, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required on campus

· A hat and sunglasses if the weather is sunny

Why Attend?

It’s a story we hear all too often—dogs that are meant to be heroes because of their energy and drive, not in spite of it. Those high-energy, toy-obsessed, friendly and confident pups that are not going to thrive in a normal family home. We want to help you learn how to identify potential working dogs, give you the knowledge to evaluate them, and connect you with the perfect organization for them based on their individual talents and drives.

RSVP & Contact:

Please RSVP by September 15, 2025 right here in Eventbrite!

For questions, contact our team at [email protected].

Host or Publisher Search Dog Foundation