Welcome to S.A.R.D.A. (Ireland North) ... A little bit about us
The Search and Rescue Dog Association (Ireland North) –
[SARDA(IN)], provides qualified
search dogs which are specifically trained to search for persons missing in
mountainous terrain, lowland areas (including open country and forests),
collapsed structures locally and internationally.
We also provide a drowned victim search dog to locate person/s missing in
rivers, lakes and sea.
the Search And Rescue Dog Association was founded in 1979. It was initially formed as
SARDA (Northern Ireland), but as the Association grew and included members from
Southern Ireland, the name was changed to SARDA (Ireland) in 1983. As the
Association developed and went from strength to strength it was split into two
organisations for logistical reasons. Therefore, from 1995 we were
known as SARDA (Ireland North).
SARDA(IN) is affiliated to the National Search and Rescue Dog Association which is the national body that oversees and develops search dog standards across the UK and Ireland. National SARDA comprises 9 search dog SARDA groups which are in England, Wales,
South Wales, Ireland North, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Anglia, Isle of Man
and Lake District.
The primary purpose of SARDA (IN) is to assist in the location of persons reported to be missing in
various types of terrain and environment. We assist other Teams in search
operations including the PSNI, MMRT, NWMRT, Marine Coastal Agency and the NIFRS.
Further to this we also offer assistance when required to mountain rescue teams
in Southern Ireland. We also
support other SARDA groups which may request search dog teams across the UK and
Ireland. In addition we are occasionally tasked by the Department for International
Development at the Home Office to assist in international disaster search and
rescue operations worldwide.