Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association

The Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association (OVSARDA) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing highly trained and certified search dogs and handlers to assist official agencies in the search for missing persons.

Background

OVSARDA operates primarily in the Ottawa Valley area, extending its services across the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The organization frequently conducts searches in Gatineau Park and on the numerous lakes and water bodies throughout Eastern Ontario.

Mission

The primary mission of OVSARDA is to train and deploy professional search dog teams to aid in locating missing individuals. These teams are trained in various specialties, including water search, disaster search, and cadaver search.

Structure

OVSARDA is entirely staffed by volunteers, who invest significant time in training and supporting the organization's mission. The handlers and dogs undergo rigorous training, certifying annually at the OPP K9 Academy in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Some teams also receive specialized training for human remains detection, certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association.

Financial Support

As a registered charity, OVSARDA relies solely on donations and fundraising activities for financial support, receiving no government funding.

Activities and Deployments

OVSARDA's teams are capable of deploying across Canada when needed. Despite being based in Ottawa, the organization has deployed its teams to every province and territory in response to search requests. They can be activated 24/7 to assist in emergencies.

Training and Certification

To become part of the OVSARDA team, both handlers and dogs must undergo extensive training. The process typically takes 2-3 years for a dog to achieve Mission Ready status. Ideal candidates for search dogs are medium-sized breeds with a double coat, often including German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, and Belgian Sheepdogs. Handlers must demonstrate the ability to train effectively and operate in diverse outdoor conditions.

Public Support

Support for OVSARDA is crucial for maintaining its operations. Donations to the organization are tax-deductible and contribute directly to the organization's ability to continue providing vital search and rescue services across Canada.

[1] https://www.ovsarda.on.ca [2] https://www.ovsarda.on.ca/our-team [3] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ottawa-valley-search-and-rescue-dog-association/ [4] https://osarva.ca/k9/ [5] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/11024