Founded in 1994, the Slovenian rescue dog handlers' association (DVRPS) is a relatively young organisation. In the year following its creation, the Association joined the Vienna-based International rescue dog organisation IRO (Internationale Rettungshunde Organization). A member of our association, dr. Dušan Nećak, is also the second vice-president of the IRO. This fulfils our wish and one of the association's objectives, that is, to get involved in the international arena, contributing our experience, our high-quality expert and specialised training and our humanitarian orientation.

The Slovenian rescue dog handler's association is a voluntary amateur organisation of rescue dog handlers. Our fundamental principles are amateurism and humanitarianism. The dogs and their handlers are trained for search of persons disappeared in the nature, buried under rubble and avalanches. More than fifty handlers and their dogs work and train in our ranks. They are united in this endeavour by good will and a lot of enthusiasm. The basic principle guiding handlers and dogs in their work is quick, correct and uncompromising assistance to those in need.

The Federation of associations and clubs of rescue dogs is also active in the area of organised rescue of persons, affected by natural and other disasters. Quite a number of internationally renowned domestic experts sees to the expert orientation and continuous training of handlers and their dogs.

The Association's handlers and rescue dogs have been successfully tried several times in extreme situations, both at home and abroad. Like for example in the tragic accident in 1995 when the Kolizej building in Ljubljana collapsed. Not only did we come to the site in the shortest possible time and demonstrated that our handlers were adequately qualified for such a rescue operation, but our dogs rescued the only survivor on time and also substantially helped in discovering the victims.

The Association's members also have international experience: they took part in the rescue operation following the earthquake in Egypt and in two rescue operations following earthquakes in Turkey.

Handlers and their rescue dogs are crucial in the race against time when it comes to saving people's lives. Knowing that they are among us, we can feel safer!!!