Currently, 61 certified service dogs serve in the ranks of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan. These four-legged rescuers play an important role in the operational rescue teams of territorial units, the republican operational rescue squad and the military units of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. They work under the guidance of experienced dog handlers and actively participate in search and rescue operations, including searching for people under rubble and avalanches.
Special enclosures and training areas have been created in the detachments for comfortable accommodation and training of service dogs. Last year, rescuers also received new modern off-road dog training vehicles based on the Toyota Hilux, where all conditions have been created. To maintain a high level of readiness of dog training teams, certification tests are conducted twice a year, which makes it possible to improve professional skills and exchange experience in search and rescue operations.
Dogs serving in the Ministry of Emergency Situations represent various breeds such as the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Border Collie, white Swiss Shepherd and Golden Retriever. These breeds are known for their outstanding sense of smell and ability to work in difficult conditions. In 2024, dog training teams participated in more than 100 search and rescue operations.
Special attention should be paid to the cynological service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, which, as part of the rescuers, actively participated in search and rescue operations during the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Afghanistan in 2023.
We also note the cynological service in East Kazakhstan. Here, as part of the rescue team, five Labradors and a white Swiss Shepherd join the service with emergency personnel. These four-legged rescuers have been working in the region for many years and have earned the trust of rescuers.
"Our dogs play a key role in search operations, as their keen sense of smell allows them to find people in places where it is impossible for humans to get to. The delicate instinct of rescuers replaces dozens of devices and significantly speeds up the search process," said Natalia Drozhzhina, head of the cynological Service of the Emergency Response Unit of the East Kazakhstan region.
Labradors are especially popular among rescuers, as they are known for their friendly nature and ability to adapt quickly to various working conditions. According to Marina Tsukanova, the chief rescue dog handler of the emergency department, much attention is paid to the care of service dogs. Each animal is provided with special clothing and shoes, like those of professional rescuers, which allows them to work in all weather conditions, providing warmth and comfort.
Thus, the service dogs of the Ministry of Emergency Situations are real heroes who, despite their dedication and love for humans, undergo rigorous training in order to always be there in case of trouble and help save human lives.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/emer/press/news/details/917671