MARK9 Search and Rescue
MARK9 is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Search and Rescue team based in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. To learn more about our searches navigate to our search page.
MARK9 Search and Rescue (SAR) provides free services to Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue, Parks and Wildlife and other official agencies of any size that require the use of highly skilled K9s and handlers to locate missing people. The team motto is "Always ready, Ever able" so the team is available 24/7/365. The team trains for 4 types of searches: Live Find, Human Remains Detection (HRD), Trailing and Water. We do this by seeking out training locations all over the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and the surrounding counties and placing our handlers and their K-9s in as close to real situations as training will allow. MARK9 believes that the most important part of a search is to prevent it from occurring. Based on this belief MARK9 provides demonstrations in Alzheimer Safety and Sit & Stays as a way to help prevent people from becoming lost. How We Operate:
MARK9 goes into action after receiving a call for SAR assistance. Due to important legal parameters attendant with the search process, we cannot accept this type of call from the general public, however the following may contact MARK9 for SAR services:
Fire Departments
Law Enforcement
Government Agencies
Recognized search agency with clearance from the law enforcement agency or fire department in charge of the search. Upon receipt of a request for assistance, the unit can be organized and ready to begin response within 20 minutes. Arrival time of the first dog and handler team on the scene will depend on the location of the incident. We will, of course, respond whenever you call. However, the best results are achieved when we are notified early, because the victim hasn't traveled as far. In addition, an early call means weather, civilians, and time have not degraded the search scene. Because we are a volunteer organization, we do not normally respond to calls that request us to search for a suspected criminal or fugitive. The team can operate under your control or we can manage the search for you. That is your agency's decision. We have our own self contained and staffed command post and are ready to respond at any time 24/7/365.
08/03/2026
Lucie cooling off today after training.
08/03/2026
June cooling down after training.
07/26/2026
Kenai getting his reward after a find at training today. Kenai has a big heart and always happy attitude. No matter rain or shine. This boy has a heart of gold! š
07/04/2026
Happy 4th of July America!!
06/28/2026
Kai (1 yr old lab) is one of our youngest members on the team. Handler is Liz Forbes who also runs an older lab, Menar. Kai is a human remains detection dog who is doing fantastic in her progress. Kai has no-quite in her and is a very dedicated exuberant dog. Sheās always ready to go and has a great working dog attitude. Stay tuned for future updates Kaiā¦ š„°š
06/21/2026
A shady spot makes a nice training location on a hot day. Handler Steve and K9 Fin did a great job today. We are very proud of them both and the progress they are making.
05/27/2026
After many years of dedicated service as a search and recovery dog, your work has left a lasting impact on every life you touched. Through long days, difficult conditions, and countless missions, you served with unwavering loyalty, courage, and heart. Your years of devotion brought comfort, hope, and closure to so many. Now itās time to rest, be spoiled, and enjoy the peaceful retirement you have truly earned. Thank you Ryker for your service and for being a hero every step of the way.
05/25/2026
To the Americans that made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live free
04/05/2026
Happy Easter!!
The visible area is only about an acre, which is an extremely small search area. Even with a really nice drone capable of hi-definition live video, we probably fly right over this subject without seeing him.
But the dog finds him easily using her nose. Technology is great, but it's not always the answer. K9s require zero technology. The don't have batteries, and they don't require software updates. They work in the dark or in daylight without a special camera lens. They work if the subject is wearing bright orange or if they're half-buried in a camouflaged hunting blind.
K9s stay relevent in SAR because they have a capability unmatched by all the fancy devices we can buy. They search faster and more efficiently than people. One well-trained K9 is better than 20 people in a coordinated grid search.
The dogs think they're playing a game of hide-and-seek. What they're really doing is helping to save people in need.
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Dallas, TX