Volunteer to “Get Lost”

 
 

Come "Get Lost" for your Gallatin County Search & Rescue search dogs! Pretend to be a lost person, play with the dogs who find you, and learn more about how the Gallatin County Sheriff's Search & Rescue dogs work to find missing people.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new in town, this experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with your community, meet like-minded individuals, and enjoy the great outdoors. You do not need any specific level of fitness or outdoor ability to participate.

As a training Volunteer, you might...

  • Pretend to be lost, “hiding” in the woods for our air scent dogs to find you. Bring a chair, book, and thermos of tea, then enjoy the solitude!

  • Set a track for our tracking dogs to follow, and then find you at the end. This can be great navigation practice!

  • Help set up “blind” training problems to help test our handers’ skills

  • And you will definitely get to play with dogs to reward them for a job well done!!

    • Join our mailing list at the bottom of this page to be notified when new training dates are scheduled

    • View the dates in the table below – click to see more details, then click the signup link to join!

    • No long term commitment required – come once, or come often! We are grateful for whatever time you are willing to share.

    • Training locations vary based on season and weather as well. Example training locations include Crosscut Mountain Sports Center (summer) or Headwaters State Park (Spring/Fall/Winter) – typically, a short drive from Bozeman.

    • Weather appropriate clothing and footwear: warm, waterproof layers, tall boots and warm socks, gloves, hats, etc.; shoes that will be comfortable off trail

    • Snacks, water, sunscreen, bear spray.

    • Download the free Caltopo app on your phone before you head out to meet us. It's available for iOS and Android and is really handy in helping you know where to go!

    • Leave your own dog at home, please!

 

Upcoming Trainings

Click a date to see more details, and sign up.

 
 


NOTE:

We are not evaluating any new search dog/handler teams at this time.
Click here for more information on what it takes to become a search dog handler.