While the National Search & Rescue Dogs Association is mainly known for its amazing work in mountain rescue operations, few people realise that it also includes amongst its ranks units who have dogs trained to operate in the lowland rural areas of England, such as NSARDA Cantech. These highly trained volunteers must be able to deploy rapidly and undertake effective search & rescue operations.

In Kent alone, an average of 1800 people go missing every year. Although they do not all require a full call out or search, a number of them are classified as vulnerable. These include the elderly (sometimes suffering from senile dementia), despondent people and children who go missing for a number of reasons. The authorities regularly call upon the canine and foot teams to assist with the searches. 

NSARDA Cantech (which stands for canine technicians) will be demonstrating at Paws in the Park how they take part in these very important rescue operations.  Their display will explain the different steps in the training of the dogs and they will be looking for volunteers from the audience to help them demonstrate the early stages.

The friendly team will also be on hand on the NSARDA Cantech stand to answer all your questions whether you are simply curious about their work or seriously interested in getting involved.

New for 2010 - the Search and Rescue team will be running their own 'Have a Go' section next to their marquee to raise funds for the vital work they do.  Please come along and support them.

For more information visit their website: www.nsardacantech.org.uk

In training - James Dunn and Venka locating a missing person