Southern Maryland Search and Rescue Dogs is a non-profit organization that provides volunteer search and rescue using canines and emergency medical care as needed.  Since 1993 when SMSARD went in-service with the St. Mary’s County Emergency Operations Center, it has responded to
over 100 searches in St. Mary’s, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s, Montgomery, Baltimore and Howard counties in Maryland; Washington D.C.; New York and Virginia.

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SMSARD directly benefits human welfare by assisting law enforcement personnel twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week in locating lost victims, victims of violent crimes and victims of natural and manmade disasters.  Southern Maryland Search and Rescue Dogs currently has two wilderness/airscent canines and two cadaver detection dogs available to respond to search requests.   Two dogs are in training for future wilderness/airscent work and one for cadaver detection.

Members of SMSARD and their canines must pass rigorous testing before becoming operational and must be certified in first aid, enabling them to treat victims who are in need of medical attention.  SMSARD is available to give demonstrations and educational presentations to schools, scout troops, civic organizations and emergency and law enforcement agencies.  Team members and their canines participate in many community events to familiarize the public with SMSARD’s services and to provide educational demonstrations.