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Under a project launched by the Istanbul Governor’s Office, 19 dogs whose owners volunteered are being trained to take part in disaster response operations after completing search and rescue training provided by the Istanbul Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) Regional Directorate and trainers from six district municipalities.
The initiative forms part of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Plan (IRAP) and aims to increase Istanbul’s number of operational search and rescue dogs, which currently stands at 28.
Within the scope of the project, the Istanbul AFAD Regional Directorate contacted dog-owning families with the support of the district municipalities of Kadikoy, Maltepe, Atasehir, Kartal, Beykoz, and Pendik.
Owners participated voluntarily. Dogs aged between four and 12 months underwent assessments of their living conditions and health checks, followed by awareness training. After the screening process, 19 dogs deemed suitable for search and rescue duties were selected.
The dogs have begun training under certified trainers from the district municipalities and AFAD teams. Upon completion of the program, all 19 dogs will be deployed in disaster and crisis zones.
Ceyhun Ersoz, an instructor at AFAD, told Anadolu Agency that search and rescue dogs played a critical role during the Feb. 6, 2023, Kahramanmaras-centered earthquakes, significantly improving response accuracy and speed alongside other rescue elements.
“Under the Governor’s Office project, we are training dogs living ordinary home lives to be used in search and rescue,” Ersoz said.
“In emergencies and when needed, we aim to turn dogs into heroes by benefiting from their hunting instinct and sensitive noses. In order to be able to use all of our country’s resources in an emergency, we are trying to reveal the heroes in our homes,” he added.
Ersoz said dogs with no history of illness and with higher levels of bravery were prioritized.
“At first, we contacted more than a thousand people. Then we examined the dogs’ living conditions. We created an awareness training. By filtering, we reduced the number to 60 dogs,” he said.
“Later, through our work, we selected 19 dogs that were healthy and suitable to become search dogs. There are a total of 28 search and rescue dogs in Istanbul. We choose more playful dogs, have a high hunting drive, are braver and have no past health problems or trauma, and then turn them into search dogs through training.”
Ersoz said there are 104 certified search and rescue dogs nationwide, with about one-quarter located in Istanbul.
He added that dog owners are also trained alongside their animals. At the end of the one-year program, dogs receive certification, while owners are designated as official dog handlers.
Dog owner Dogancan Ozsoy, who is attending the training with his 7-month-old Labrador retriever “Dayi,” said participating in the project was a source of pride.
“This is something very pride-inducing,” Ozsoy said. “We are alive today, but tomorrow we could be under the rubble. Having dogs that meet these standards and receiving this training is great.”
Ceren Sarac, who joined the program with her 2-year-old Labrador retriever, “Co,” described the training as both productive and enjoyable.
“We were very badly affected by the February earthquake,” Sarac said. “Being part of something like this is gratifying. We want to inspire everyone to recognize their dogs’ potential and take part in this project together with their loyal companions.”
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