ZAKA’s K9 Unit harnesses the remarkable abilities of specially trained dogs to locate missing individuals—whether elderly Alzheimer’s patients who have wandered off, people with suicidal intentions, or anyone in distress. Guided by dedicated volunteer handlers, these dogs are adept at detecting the scent of a person—living or deceased—even in challenging terrain or at night. They can search a large area, such as a 500×500-meter zone, in mere minutes, vastly improving the speed and efficiency of rescue operations.

Expert Tracking

Each dog undergoes rigorous training to distinguish between mobile scents (search teams, bystanders) and a stationary scent (the missing person), allowing them to zero in on the correct target with extraordinary accuracy. Even if a victim is obscured by vegetation or darkness, the dog’s keen sense of smell provides a critical advantage that standard ground searches cannot match.

Integrating At-Risk Youth

A unique feature of the K9 Unit is its at-risk youth program. Under professional mentorship, young trainees learn how to handle and train rescue dogs. Graduates can become certified handlers, gaining new skills and the chance to give back to their communities. Many go on to join ZAKA’s operational team, proving that the bond between dogs and humans can transform lives on multiple levels.

Unit Commander

Led by Commander Dodi Mazur, the K9 Unit demonstrates ZAKA’s commitment to blending advanced rescue techniques, compassionate service, and social responsibility—saving lives and fostering growth in the next generation of volunteers.

Fueled by Your Donations

Like all ZAKA units, the K9 team relies solely on the generosity of caring individuals worldwide. Your support funds essential dog training, specialized gear, and vital search-and-rescue missions—ensuring these heroic canines and their handlers can reach people in need, no matter where they are.