How to Help

Why Your Support Matters

At the Massachusetts Canine Response Team (MACRT), our mission to locate and rescue missing persons relies heavily on the generosity of supporters like you. As an all-volunteer organization, our team members cover the costs of training and equipment through donations or personal funds, but with your help, we can achieve even more.

Your donations directly impact our ability to train and equip our canine teams. Each contribution helps us maintain high standards of readiness and effectiveness, ensuring we can respond swiftly to any call for help.

Ways to Get Involved

DONATE

Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. You can easily contribute through PayPal or by mailing a check to

Massachusetts Canine Response Teams 40 Adella Avenue, West Newton, MA 02465.

All donations are tax-deductible; if you would like a receipt sent to you, please request that with your check.

PROVIDE LOCATION ACCESS

The team is always in search of new locations for training. These could include private wooded land, commercial spaces, equipment yards, areas with numerous vehicles (tow/ scrap yards), schools, or camps.

The more varied the options for training, the better it is for our dogs. We can offer a certificate of insurance and/or a donation receipt for access.

SPONSOR

There are many ways to sponsor MACRT! Financial donations go toward team training (such as seminars) and equipment (such as GPS units and radios); access to land, structures, and vehicles as possible training venues; or other types of donations (SAR equipment, raffle items that can be used as a fundraising item, etc). All donations are fully tax-deductable and truly appreciated by MACRT.

Want to become a MACRT team member?

We are always excited to talk to potential members who are passionate about search and rescue. However, please be aware that becoming a member of MACRT requires dedication, lots of learning and willingness to support the team.

Handler requirements & membership process

  • You must be 18 years of age or older, be able to pass a background check and have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

  • Contact us and we will invite you to observe our training. Training typically takes place on Sundays in various locations throughout MA and Southern NH. Show up for our training days. Be persistent. Help out. 

  • If you have a dog, do not expect us to evaluate your K9 until we have the opportunity to get to know you. 

  • If you want to be a member after you have gotten to  know us, notify one of the Training Directors. Potential members will be asked to fill out a basic questionnaire.

  • The team will vote on accepting you on a probationary basis; if accepted, we will evaluate/test your K9 for suitability for training.

The probationary period is approximately 12 months. During this time, you will be expected to complete or have scheduled the following training: 

  • Pay MACRT’s New Member Fee

  • Attend 75% of scheduled weekly team trainings

  • Meet physical fitness requirements

  • If you have a K9 that passes their initial evaluation; meet assigned training goals for them. This includes:

  • Basic obedience (heeling, positions on command, recall; long down under distraction)

  • Canine Good Citizen

  • Must maintain training records for the K9

  • Navigation training: map and compass / GPS

  • Fundamentals of Search and Rescue (NASAR – FUNSAR)

  • Crime Scene Preservation Class

  • Complete the Incident Command (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700) FEMA online courses

  • CPR and Basic First Aid certification

  • Blood borne pathogens course

  • Probability of Detection course

  • Become proficient in online mapping programs (CalTopo, Basecamp, etc.)

  • Put together a search pack with required components

  • Adhere to MACRT SOP on Social Media, and Policies on Drugs and Alcohol, Sexual Harassment and Code of Ethical Conduct

  • Train on MACRT SOPs