K9 Search and Rescue Boat

Greater Atlantic Rescue Dogs (GARD) is an all-volunteer Search, Rescue, and Recovery organization. GARD is formally recognized by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) as a state resource for search, rescue, and recovery operations. We have been a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization since 1999. We use specially trained dogs to find lost or missing people in wilderness, rural, or disaster environments.



Recently, we have begun specialized water training in order to have our dogs search from a boat. This is a search and rescue resource that is greatly needed in not only our local area but across the entire state! In order to properly train and deploy for this new discipline the group needs to purchase a specialized boat and equipment. This is so that the dogs, SCUBA divers, and boat operators are able to operate in a safe and effective manner. The boat must be low to the water and have a special platform for the dogs to work off of. Additionally, it has a special engine and electric motor combination so that the boat can operate in shallow water as well as be safe around divers.



On average each member spends $2000 a year on gear, supplies, and classes. We each put a couple thousand miles on our personal vehicles going to trainings and responding to search calls across the state. As a group we are heavily reliant on donations to cover critical equipment and operational costs. Large purchases like this thankfully are not often, however they place a large burden on the group when they do come up.




Please help us so we can get our K9's the equipment they need to work effectively and operate on our waterways! Every donation helps, and is tax deductible!

For more information about our group please visit: www.gardk9.org