How Can an Official Agency Request SARDOM's Search and Rescue Services?

Updated

Official agencies can request SARDOM's search and rescue dog teams by calling its 24-hour toll-free emergency line, 1.866.930.4680. This number is intended for official agency use only — it is the channel for law enforcement, fire/rescue, or any official agency charged with locating, rescuing, or recovering a missing person. SARDOM states it is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to these requests.

Who Can Request SARDOM's Services

SARDOM's emergency contact is reserved for official agencies, not for private individuals or general public inquiries. If you are calling on behalf of one of the following, you are using the line as intended:

  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Fire and rescue departments
  • Any official agency responsible for the location, rescue, or recovery of a missing person

Information to Have Ready When You Call

SARDOM notes that it is helpful if the requesting agency can provide the following details. Having them on hand before you call speeds up the process of determining whether and how SARDOM can deploy.

Information requested Why it helps
Contact information for point-of-contact person(s) at agency HQ and on scene Gives SARDOM people to coordinate with directly
Location of the search — an actual street address Allows SARDOM to determine the route to the site
Brief description of the subject(s) and situation Helps SARDOM understand what it is responding to
Size of the primary search area Informs how the K9 teams may be tasked
Number of days the search has been in progress Provides context on the stage of the operation

What SARDOM Is

SARDOM (Search and Rescue Dogs of Maryland) is an all-volunteer, non-profit search and rescue organization that uses air-scenting dogs. Its K9 teams, support staff, officers, and directors are all volunteers, and the organization reports having no paid employees. It is supported wholly by public donations.