The ACE Program has been temporarily suspended.  We hope to resume operations or provide an alternative in the near future.   

 

 

NASAR has entered into a relationship with Airline Canine Escorts – American Airlines Flight Attendants Volunteers for Service Animals (“ACE”) to provide free in-cabin transportation for the canine from the donor/breeder to the new handler/owner.

NASAR canine handlers meeting established requirements will work with our Program Coordinator to arrange the logistics for transporting the canine through American Airlines. Volunteer Flight Attendants with American Airlines will personally escort the canine in-cabin from its point of departure to its destination. The canine must be purchased or obtained through a donation for the sole purpose of being trained in search and rescue.

As of March 31, 2003, cities available for this service are Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose and Seattle. This list is subject to change without notice.

An online database is available on the NASAR website that can assist handlers in locating a possible candidate. Handlers are welcome to see if a canine in the breed of their choice is available through the donation system. If there is, the handler will be provided contact information on the potential donor. It will be up to the individual handler and donor to reach an agreement regarding the canine and to ascertain the suitability of the canine for search work.  NASAR cannot guarantee the canine's potential ability as a SAR dog and provides this program only as a service to its membership.

For handler utilization of this program, NASAR will require:

• That the handler be a member of NASAR, either individual or organizational.
• That the handler provide evidence from their organization that the canine in question will be trained for search and rescue.

• That the handler and donor be responsible for working out any application/contract/tax deduction issues.  NASAR will not be responsible for the business arrangement between the parties.
• That the donor/breeder provide the breed, sex, and age of the canine to be transported (the NASAR Program Coordinator retains the option to contact the breeder/donor to verify the canines temperament and socialization).
• That both the handler and donor/breeder sign a hold harmless document.
• That the canine have all mandated documents required by American Airlines and wear a shadrack indicating that it is a search and rescue candidate.  Documentation requirements are subject to change without notice.

Note:  Independent handlers (not part of a SAR Team) that are individual members of NASAR may use the transportation program if they are purchasing the canine or if the donor is not interested in the tax deduction.

For more information regarding this program, contact Mike Wiederhold