RDTA International Rescue Dog Certification Test Held in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

The International Rescue Dog Certification Test, organized by the Rescue Dog Trainer Association (RDTA)—a member of the International Rescue Dog Organization (IRO)—will take place from June 13 to 14 in Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido. The event, managed by the Hokkaido Disaster Rescue Dog (HDRD) non-profit organization, marks its fourth occurrence this year.

The test evaluates rubble search capabilities in simulated disaster-struck, collapsed buildings, divided into three levels: Level V (Beginner), Level A (Intermediate), and Level B (Advanced). Based on the International Rescue Dog Exam Regulations (IPO-R), the search capabilities and coordination between the rescue dog and handler will be evaluated.

This year, 22 dogs are scheduled to take the test, coming from Hokkaido as well as various prefectures nationwide including Aomori, Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Hiroshima. Additionally, rescue dogs from the Air Self-Defense Force Chitose Air Base and the Hokkaido Prefectural Police, which conduct joint training with the HDRD, will also participate.

The HDRD sets the activity standard at Level A (Intermediate) or higher in preparation for disaster deployments, and members work daily to improve their skills. Furthermore, after passing Level B (Advanced), candidates become eligible to challenge the Mission Readiness Test (MRT), which serves as an operational readiness standard.

In 2025, a pair consisting of the dog "Zeek" and handler Onodera from the HDRD achieved the first-ever certification in Hokkaido at the MRT exam held in Taiwan. With the MRT exam being held domestically in Japan this year, more pairs are aiming to qualify.

Comment from the representative of the managing organization, HDRD: "We ask for everyone's understanding and support for the training and technical improvement of the rescue dogs who play active roles during disasters."

Event Details 《Date》 … June 13–14, 2026 《Location》 … Training House DOG TALK (207 Satsunai-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido) 《Judges》 … Hidehiro Murase (IRO International Rescue Dog Judge), Kaori Oshima (IRO International Rescue Dog Judge) 《Test Content》 … In accordance with the International Rescue Dog Exam Regulations (IPO-R) (final decisions subject to the judge's authority)

For more details, please visit the Rescue Dog Trainer Association website.