Orca
Breed: Dalmatian
Barking from: South Australia
What's up dog?
Orca is a Urban Search and Rescue K9. This means that in the event of a disaster (earthquake, building collapse, flood, explosion etc) it is Orcas job to find the people buried, injured, lost and hurt and tell his handler (myself) where they are located.
Orcas works hard to perfect his skills. These include Agility (navigating rough, uneven, dangerous terrain safely as well as climbing stairs and ladders, and being propelled from buildings with handler), taking direction from handler at distances and heights, utilising his amazing dog nose to differentiate scents and find living victims, effectively stay on task and alert the handler (this is done through barking. Orca will bark until the handler reaches him).
This job is an important one for every single person in the community. You never know when there will be a rock slide, earthquake, explosion etc. If you get caught in this, Orca is trained to find and save you. Having trained Search and Rescue dogs in the community also means help can arrive fast. In an emergency situation, every second counts. That is why we use dogs l to find victims and be more efficient in finding and saving people.
2025 Australia People's Choice
We believe no dog should be left behind.
Every dog entered into the competition is automatically in the running for the 2025 People’s Choice Award — and the winner will be decided by you, the public.
This year, we’re giving the love back to our communities.
Each year, our campaign is supported by a number of incredible charities across Australia that work tirelessly to improve the lives of dogs and people alike. In 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on these organisations and the vital work they do.
As part of the voting process, every voter will have the chance to donate to our amazing mental health or dog-focused charities.
It’s your vote, your voice, and your opportunity to make a difference.
