About Us

IRISH SEARCH DOGS

Established in 1986, Irish Search Dogs is a non-profit voluntary organisation dedicated to locating missing persons across Ireland. Our charity, recognised under charity number #19929, has evolved into one of the country's foremost canine search and rescue teams. Comprising highly trained dog/handler units available round-the-clock, year-round, we collaborate with Gardaí, statutory, and voluntary agencies, offering our expertise in missing person searches and drowning recoveries on land and water, always at no cost.

OUR HISTORY

Irish Search Dogs traces its origins to the collaborative efforts of passionate individuals in 1986, initially forming as CASARDA within the German Shepherd Association of Ireland. The pivotal connection between Mick McCarthy, Con Moriarty, and Neil Powell led to the establishment of SARDA (Ireland), marking the organisation's unified vision for canine search and rescue teams across Ireland. Embracing Neil Powell's innovative approach of prioritising air-scent training for young dogs, the group embarked on rigorous training sessions under Powell's guidance in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. Despite challenges and setbacks, including the loss of a valued search dog, Rizzo, the commitment to training and refining search dog skills remained unwavering. From these foundational collaborations and perseverance emerged Irish Search Dogs, a beacon of hope and expertise in locating missing persons, aiding in drowning recoveries, and offering educational demonstrations to communities across the nation.

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