Villach rescue dog unit celebrates 15 years of service

The Villach rescue dog unit of the Austrian Rescue Dog Brigade (ÖRHB) is marking its 15th anniversary. Reactivated in early October 2011 by Kirsten and Helmut Kaltenegger, the unit now consists of 14 volunteer members.

Seven members serve as dog handlers working alongside their canine partners, while the remaining seven provide essential support. The teams are trained for various specialized tasks, including area searches in forests, debris searches in collapsed buildings, and mantrailing to follow specific scents.

To maintain readiness, the volunteers conduct regular training sessions in diverse environments, ranging from the former Zillerbad site in Villach-Warmbad to local forests and urban areas.