At SARDA Isle of Man, our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation. We believe that everyone has something valuable to offer, regardless of experience. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone looking to give back to the community, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Your involvement is not only crucial to our operations but also an incredibly rewarding way to engage with a dedicated team, develop new skills, and contribute to the safety of our Island. We would love to hear from you and explore how you can fit into our mission. Whilst we have specific roles within the organisation (as below) if these do not fit your skills we would welcome any efforts in whatever capacity, please reach out to us using the form below if you think you have experience or skills we could use.

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Dog's Body

One of the most impactful roles you can take on is as a dog's body. This essential volunteer position involves hiding in designated areas during our training sessions, allowing our search dogs to practice their skills in real-world scenarios. It’s a fun, interactive way to support our teams, and no special training is required—just your willingness to get involved! By becoming a dog’s body, you play a vital role in helping our dogs refine their search capabilities. Check out our training schedule below and consider joining us for an exciting day outdoors!​

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Navigator/Dog Support

If you’re interested in taking your commitment further, becoming a Navigator is an excellent option. This role requires a minimum of six months as a dog’s body to understand the dynamics of our operations. After that, you’ll need to achieve or hold a navigation qualification (NNAS Level Silver or equivalent) and complete first aid training, you would also be required to undertake helicopter training at your earliest ability. Navigators are crucial during callouts, guiding teams to ensure that we can operate efficiently and effectively. It’s a rewarding way to engage in our mission while working alongside our dedicated dog handlers.​

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Dog Handler

For those passionate about working directly with our canine companions, the role of a Dog Handler might be your calling. In addition to completing the requirements for becoming a Navigator, your dog must pass a stock and obedience test and be under 3 years old, from there the journey towards NSARDA assessment and deployment as part of our team can begin. As a handler, you and your dog will undergo rigorous training together, forming a powerful partnership that will be tested during assessments before being added to our callout list. During this time you can still attend callouts as a navigator and will be accompanied by an experienced team. It’s an incredible journey that strengthens the bond between you and your dog while providing vital support to those in need.​​​​

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No matter where you see yourself in our organization, you're more than welcome to join us! Please reach out using the contact form below, and let’s discuss how you can be part of the SARDA family.

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