North Country Search and Rescue (NCSAR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer-based team dedicated to locating missing persons, assisting during emergencies, and supporting families and communities in times of crisis.

About

NCSAR is made up of highly trained volunteers committed to providing professional search, rescue, and recovery services. Our team works in remote terrain, harsh weather and high-stress situations to assist law enforcement, emergency responders and families when every minute matters.

We rely on specialized training, K9 teams, search equipment and community support to stay ready for the next callout. Whether searching dense woods, rural properties, water edges or difficult terrain, our mission remains the same: bring loved ones home.

K9 Teams

Our extensively trained and nationally certified K9 teams are used for scent-specific mantrailing, human remains detection (cadaver) and area search. Dogs can cover rough terrain quickly and help locate missing individuals efficiently.

Donate

NCSAR is entirely volunteer-based and relies on donations to stay operational. Your support helps provide fuel, medical supplies, K9 equipment, ongoing training and certifications and more. Every donation helps keep our team ready to respond when someone is missing.

Get Involved

NCSAR is looking for dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities.

You do not need prior SAR experience to get started. We welcome volunteers from many backgrounds, including dog handlers, first responders, medical professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, drone operators, horse riders and community members who simply want to help.

MMIP Event

We will have a booth set up on May 5th, 2026 from 9:00am to 3:30pm for White Earth’s MMIP Awareness Day event at the Shooting Star Casino Event Center in Mahnomen, MN - drop in to chat and meet a couple of our K9s!

News 2

Latest Training

Spring is tentatively here and the dogs are loving the muddy training scenarios - we also recently welcomed a new working prospect puppy and are very excited for her bright future. Future training dates will be posted for those interested in attending and asking questions or volunteers willing to hide for the K9s!

TBA - Stay tuned!

News 3

TBA - Stay tuned!