Apollo (FEMA K9)

Apollo is a four-year-old German Shepherd mix trained for search and rescue operations. His high drive and agility make him perfectly suited for the rigorous demands of disaster response.

As a FEMA Disaster Response Dog, Apollo specializes in finding live victims trapped beneath rubble and debris during large-scale emergencies. He works alongside a dedicated handler to navigate dangerous environments that are inaccessible to human rescuers.

FEMA search dogs are strictly trained to perform a "bark alert" when they locate a live human scent in the wreckage. They will remain at the specific location and bark continuously until their handler arrives to confirm the find.

It typically takes between 18 to 24 months of intense, daily training for a dog to become a certified FEMA Disaster Response K9. Apollo and his handler must constantly train to ensure they are ready to deploy at a moment's notice.