National Disaster Search Dog Foundation

National Training Center

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is dedicated to preparing dogs and their handlers for locating victims when disaster strikes. By adopting previously homeless or abandoned dogs and offering them a new purpose in life, these rescue dogs become the rescuers. The SDF National Training Center in Santa Paula, California is the first of its kind in the country. The 125 acre ranch houses kennels, training areas, handlers’ accommodations, classrooms and offices. Teams from around the country, and guests from all over the world, use the facility during the extensive 8 month training program. The trained dogs then partner with fire and police departments across the country. Graduates of the SDF program have been deployed for countless search and rescue efforts including Hurricane Katrina, the La Conchita mudslide and the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11.

As a close neighbor to the National Training Center, BEGA North America is proud to continually support this amazing foundation for several years. BEGA luminaires are found on the campus and highlight the canine memorial near the welcome center. Asymmetric in-grade luminaires highlight portraits of dogs and their handlers over the years. Ground mounted, compact floodlights were used to accent key features in the pavillion. The pathways and open areas are illuminated with recessed wall and ground mounted luminaires for comfortable navigation in the evenings.