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Search-and-rescue dogs are specially trained canines that work alongside humans to locate missing persons in a variety of situations, such as natural disasters, wilderness areas, and urban environments. These dogs use their keen sense of smell to locate the scent of the missing person, which can often be detected even after several days. They are trained to follow specific commands and work in a variety of terrain and weather conditions. When the dog locates the missing person, they will often alert their handler and guide them to the location. These highly skilled dogs are an invaluable asset in search-and-rescue operations.
Animal Facts
Working as SAR Dogs
Cadaver dogs played a critical role in finding the remains of those who died in the devastating Camp Fire that swept through Paradise, California, in 2018. Over 135,000 acres were destroyed, along with 8,000 homes and businesses, and at least 85 people lost their lives. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Search-and-rescue (SAR) teams are available 24/7, 365 days a year. SAR dogs often accompany their handlers to work and on vacation in case law-enforcement authorities call them. Typically, the police contact a SAR organization, who then alerts its team members. The case could be a missing child, hikers who never reached their campsite, a collapsed building, an earthquake, an escaped convict, or new information in a crime that puts the victim’s body in a specific lake.
After being notified of a call-out, the dog and handler prepare their equipment, which can include severe-weather gear, ropes and harnesses, radios, compasses, maps, food, water, and other useful items for a search. If it’s an avalanche search, transportation could involve a helicopter. If it’s a wilderness search, the team usually drives to the base location and then hikes or rappels to the area. If it’s a drowning victim, the handler and dog arrive by boat.
Once at the scene, the dog’s obedience is put to the test. Distractions are present everywhere, such as people and dogs searching, reporters, floodlights, and bullhorns. The SAR unit leader is in charge, reporting to the head law-enforcement authority or search authority at the scene. At a large search, a SAR group may establish a base camp with radio communications, rest areas, and search advisers. The SAR leader directs each dog and handler team to clear a specific location. If the dog shows interest in a particular spot but doesn’t do a full alert, the handler notes the location. If the dog signals a full alert, everyone mobilizes.
In a water search, divers enter the water; in an avalanche search, every available searcher digs in the snow; in a wilderness search, people may work to move rocks out of the way of a cave opening to search for a possible missing hiker. Meanwhile, the dog and its handler could be off to the side playing tug-of-war (or whatever game the dog prefers) so that the dog understands that it has won the game.
If the missing person is deceased, the handler will play with the dog discreetly. As long as search-and-rescue remains a game, the dog will happily do its job until its handler decides it’s time for retirement.
SAR dogs do retire, usually when they are 8 to 10 years old and can no longer handle the physical demands of the job. Urban disaster work is challenging for both the dogs and their handlers.
When a SAR dog retires, it typically lives out its retirement with its handler. If the handler is unable to care for the dog any longer, there are organizations that will find new adoptive homes for retired search dogs. In either case, the dog can enjoy a life of fun, games, and leisure, which is a well-deserved reward for a career of fun, games, and public service.
For more information on search and rescue, please refer to the links below.
Originally Published: Dec 16, 2005
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- Learn about the amazing abilities of dogs to sense things
- Discover how Guide Dogs are trained to assist people with disabilities
- Explore the work of Police Dogs and how they help law enforcement
- Find out if dogs can lose their sense of smell
More Great Links
- Check out the American Rescue Dog Association
- Learn about FEMA Search and Rescue Training
- Get tips on Selecting a Dog for SAR from Comdens
- Find out about the K-9 Search and Rescue Team, Inc.
- Visit the National Association for Search and Rescue
Sources
- Read “The Art of Heroism” on Petfinder.com
- Check out Comdens.com for an Avalanche Training Overview
- Learn about the K-9 Search and Rescue Team, Inc. on their website
- Get the SAR Dog Fact Sheet from NASAR
- Read “Search and Rescue Dogs” on Working Dogs
- Visit the National Search and Rescue Dog Association to learn about what search dogs do
FAQ
1. What are search-and-rescue dogs?
Search-and-rescue dogs are highly trained canines that assist in finding and rescuing people in emergency situations such as natural disasters, missing person cases, and accidents. These dogs are trained to use their sense of smell to locate missing individuals and alert their handlers.
2. What breeds of dogs are commonly used as search-and-rescue dogs?
The most commonly used breeds of dogs for search-and-rescue work are German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Belgian Malinois. These breeds are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and strong sense of smell.
3. How are search-and-rescue dogs trained?
Search-and-rescue dogs undergo extensive training that includes obedience training, agility training, and scent detection training. They are also trained to work in various environments such as rubble, water, and wilderness.
4. How do search-and-rescue dogs locate missing individuals?
Search-and-rescue dogs use their sense of smell to locate missing individuals. They are trained to identify specific scents such as human scent or the scent of a specific item belonging to the missing person. Once they have located the scent, they will follow it until they find the missing individual.
5. How do search-and-rescue dogs communicate with their handlers?
Search-and-rescue dogs communicate with their handlers through body language and vocalizations such as barking or whining. They may also use specific signals such as scratching or digging to indicate the location of a missing individual.
6. How long can search-and-rescue dogs work in the field?
The amount of time that search-and-rescue dogs can work in the field depends on a variety of factors such as the weather conditions, the terrain, and the individual dog’s physical condition. Typically, search-and-rescue dogs work in shifts of 20-30 minutes with breaks in between.
7. What happens to search-and-rescue dogs when they retire?
When search-and-rescue dogs retire, they are often adopted by their handlers or other individuals who are willing and able to provide them with a comfortable home. Some retired search-and-rescue dogs may also continue to work as therapy dogs or in other roles that do not require as much physical activity.
8. How are search-and-rescue dogs used in disaster response?
Search-and-rescue dogs are used extensively in disaster response efforts to locate and rescue individuals who may be trapped under rubble or debris. These dogs are able to navigate through difficult terrain and locate individuals who may be difficult to find using other search methods.
9. Can search-and-rescue dogs be used to detect drugs or explosives?
Yes, some search-and-rescue dogs are trained to detect drugs or explosives. These dogs undergo specialized training to identify specific scents associated with drugs or explosives, and they are used in a variety of settings such as airports, border crossings, and law enforcement operations.
10. How can I get involved with search-and-rescue dog training?
If you are interested in getting involved with search-and-rescue dog training, you can contact your local search-and-rescue organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities. You may also need to undergo extensive training and certification before you can work with search-and-rescue dogs in the field.
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