Bay County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue annual K9 Training seminar Feb 26– Feb 28, 2026. SIGNUP CLOSES: Feb 13, 2026.About this Event
Classes for SAR K9 Trailing, Human Remains Detection & Area Search
IMPORTANT: This seminar is designed for started/established teams. Attendees should have some experience with SAR and have done some foundation work with their dogs.
AVAILABLE CLASSES:
- HRD LAND Instructors:
Greg Cole (NNCDS) w/Diana Bunch
Fred Mendiola (NNDDA) w/Melody Wilkinson
Jason Klingensmith (NOCSAR/NNDDA) w/Heidi Drawdy, June Mulligan and Sara Jackson - HRD WATER Instructors (NNCDS): Lisa Higgins w/Ellen McGarry and David Lovell
- Area Search Instructors (NOCSAR): Sherrie Kintonw w/ Judy Thigpin
- Tracking/Trailing Instructors (NOCSAR) : Dorn Beddow w/ Jay Thames
--> ATTENDEES SHOULD REGISTER FOR ONLY 1 CLASS TYPE. There are limited slots for teams bringing an extra dog for the one class being reserved. NOTE THAT CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED.
*** REGISTRATION CLOSES: Feb 13, 2026
Payment Types Accepted:
Credit/Debit cards, Paypal and check. **If by check, we must receive payment by 2/1/2026 or the class reservation will be cancelled**. Checks should be made in the full amount shows and payable to:
BAY COUNTY SHERIFFS SEARCH AND RESCUE
Mail checks to:
BAY COUNTY SHERIFFS SEARCH AND RESCUE,
P.O. Box 36592
Panama City, FL 32412
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- A $50 processing fee will be imposed for class changes after registering
- Refunds are on a case-by-case basis and will NOT include any processing fees charge by Eventbrite
Questions:
For any questions regarding the seminar, email [email protected]
Be sure to visit the or our for updates, and additional information.
ADDITIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION
NO FIREARMS - portions of this seminar are being conducted on a school campus, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and other locations that restrict the carrying of weapons. Active/Sworn law enforcement personnel may request an individual exemption from this rule and need to contact Capt. W. T. Hyde at [email protected] to obtain one.
CRIMINAL HISTORY - due to the sensitive nature of some course content and the location of the seminar, attendees are subject to a BCSO law enforcement, background check. Attendance will not be permitted for individuals having a history of:
- Domestic Violence
- Child Abuse
- Sex Abuse
- Felonies
ANIMAL VACCINATIONS
It is the responsibility of all attendees to ensure their K9 is current on all vaccines. Florida requires "All dogs or cats, three (3) months of age and older, transported into Florida, including exhibition dogs or cats, Service Animals, Working Dogs, and privately owned pets traveling with their owners, must have proof of a current rabies vaccination." All attendees must be ready to provide proof of current rabies vaccination.
Hotel Accommodations:
The host hotel for this event is:
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Panama City
1030 E. 23rd Street, Panama City, Florida 32405
- NO PET FEE, Free Breakfast
Cutoff for group block for reservations February 7, 2026
Booking link and group code:
• Booking Link:
• Phone Reservations: Call 850-914-0022. Ask for for the BCSO K9 Seminar 2026 group rate code: CG02232026K9S
MEALS
As part of the seminar fee, a box type lunch (sandwich, chips, snack - drinks NOT included) will be provided for each attendee on Feb 26, 27, 28. Should you have a special dietary need, it will be your responsibility to provide your own preferred meals while attending the seminar. There is no credit provided if you choose not to take the provided box lunch. While limited supplies of water will be available, each attendee should plan on bringing their own to meet the needs of being in the field with your K9.
Certifications that will be available:
NOTE: Handlers are responsible for all certification fees and will need to pay for those separately from the seminar fee directly to the certifying organization/agency.
- National Narcotics Detector Dog Assoc (NNDDA)- HRD certifications are available to qualifying civilian handlers with appropriate paperwork. Must be a member and membership fee is $55 (Civilians must provide a current Criminal History Record Check and letter verifying their eligibility for certification – please see ). You will need to provide proof of membership.
- National Network of Canine Detection Services (NNCDS) will be offering HRD Certifications for Civilian Handlers. Must be a member and membership fee is $15. Certification Test fee is $60 per certification (please see )
- National Organization Certifying Search and Rescue (NOCSAR) will be offering certifications in Area Search, Tracking and Human Remains Detection. The membership fee is $25 and the certification fee is $20 per certification (please email [email protected] or visit for additional information)
Event Venue
Panama City Mall - South East Parking Area, 2150 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Panama City, United States
USD 17.85 to USD 420.00
