How to Donate to or Join New England K9 Search and Rescue (NEK9)

Updated

You can support NEK9 in two ways: donate money to offset the costs its volunteers pay out of pocket, or apply to become a volunteer member. Donations go toward member expenses such as gas, vehicles, training, equipment, and dog costs. NEK9 is a non-profit with 501(c)(3) status, and its website offers "Donate now" and "Join NEK9" options. Note that NEK9 is a volunteer organization, and members cover their own costs. The site does not publish membership requirements, application steps, or a fee schedule, so use the Join NEK9 contact route to ask about current openings and expectations.

Donating: What Your Money Supports

NEK9 provides search and rescue services at no cost to the requesting law-enforcement agencies and to the families of lost persons. That means the organization's costs are carried by its members, who pay for:

  • Gas and vehicles
  • Training
  • Equipment
  • Dog expenses

A donation helps offset those per-member costs. Because NEK9 states 501(c)(3) status, donors can generally expect a tax-deductible contribution under U.S. rules for such organizations—confirm the specifics with NEK9 or a tax professional for your situation.

To donate: go to nek9sar.org and use the "Donate now" option on the site. The page does not list payment platforms or suggested amounts, so follow the prompts there.

Joining: What to Expect

NEK9 describes itself as a volunteer organization and an air-scent K9 team with over 40 years of search experience. At most search calls it fields 5–10 K9 teams, with field assistants and medical support from the Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team (UVWRT).

Before committing, understand these operating facts from the site:

Topic What NEK9 States
Status Volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3)
Member costs Members incur all costs: gas, vehicles, training, equipment, dog expenses
Certification Testing simulates an actual search, since NEK9 searches for both live and deceased subjects
Deployment NEK9 must be activated by the Agency Having Jurisdiction for a search
Coverage Law-enforcement agencies in Vermont and New Hampshire

To express interest: use the "Join NEK9" option on the website. The site does not publish an application form, eligibility criteria, or a training timeline, so ask directly about:

  • Whether the team is currently accepting new handlers or support volunteers
  • What prior K9 or search experience is expected
  • How certification testing works and how long it typically takes
  • The realistic time and cost commitment for a new member

Other Ways to Help

If you are not ready to donate or join, NEK9 also offers educational outreach: presentations and live demonstrations of air-scent search dogs for charitable organizations, businesses, senior centers, and audiences of children and adults. Hosting or attending a presentation is a low-commitment way to learn about the team before deciding whether to give or apply.

Quick Decision Guide

  • Want to support financially? Donate via the site's "Donate now" option; funds offset member gas, vehicle, training, equipment, and dog costs.
  • Want to volunteer? Use "Join NEK9" and ask about current openings, expectations, and certification—none of which are published on the site.
  • Want to learn first? Request an educational presentation or demonstration for your group.