The idea of using a search dog, similar to those used by Search & Rescue groups, is compelling to many people who have lost their pet. These lost pet search dogs do exist though they are few and far between across the country. However, before hiring someone with a search dog, there are some very important questions that you should ask yourself.
- Is this person a reputable pet tracker or pet detective?
- For more information visit Missing Pet Partnership’s (MPP) Find A Pet Detective Warning.
- Does this person have an area search dog (a.k.a. air-scenting dog) or a trailing dog (a.k.a. tracking dog)?
- Some people are very confused and/or disappointed when the search dog that they hire turns out to be an area search dog when they were expecting a dog that would actually track the scent of their missing pet. Make sure you understand what type of search dog team you are hiring.
- For more information visit MPP’s MAR Dog Training. Not all search dogs are Missing Animal Response (MAR) trained, but the MAR Cat Detection Dog is an air-scenting dog, and the MAR Trailing Dog is of course a trailing dog.
- How long ago did your pet go missing? Is it still possible for a search dog to follow the scent-trail?
- If you are considering hiring a pet tracker, do not wait to contact one. They can be difficult to find and may have to travel a long distance to reach you.
- Depending on the weather and terrain, and the dog’s experience and training, a trailing dog may be able to follow the scent-trail of your missing pet up to several weeks after they went missing. A trailing dog may also be used to verify possible sightings even if your pet has been missing for a longer period of time.
- For more information visit MPP’s How Long Can Scent Survive?
- Do you have a good scent article?
- To use a trailing dog, it is very important that you have a scent article that smells only like your missing pet. This may be difficult to find if you have multiple pets.
- To preserve a scent article, place it inside a plastic bag, preferably without touching it yourself.
- Do you expect the search dog to locate your missing pet during the search?
- Very few searches end with the search dog actually finding the lost pet (a.k.a. “a walk-up find”), possibly as low as 5%. The likelihood of having a walk-up find is higher if you have a search dog onsite within 48 hours or if your lost pet is trapped, injured or deceased.
- The reasons that you usually will not have a walk-up find include:
- Someone picked up your pet (usually friendly dogs or curious, out-going cats).
- Your pet is frightened and is avoiding the search dog team (usually skittish dogs and most cats).
- Your pet has been gone for so long that s/he has made scent trails all over the place, and the search dog never gets to the end of the trail.
- You may be asking yourself, “what’s the point of using a search dog if they won’t find my lost cat/dog?” Search dogs can provide very useful information to help find your lost pet such as:
- They are not deceased or trapped in the immediate area.
- Where they went initially (a.k.a “direction of travel”) and/or where they spent most of their time. This information can help you determine where to put up lost pet posters, hand out flyers, and possibly use a feeding station, surveillance camera, and/or humane trap.
- Are you prepared to do the necessary search follow-up to find your missing pet?
- A search dog is often a very useful tool to help you locate your lost pet. However, I have seen far too many people put all their hope in the search dog finding their pet and then are emotionally unable or unwilling to continue the search after their pet is not found that day.
- Even with a search dog, it may take several weeks to several months to find your missing pet. A minimum suggested search effort is six weeks.
- Should I hire a search dog team?
- A well-trained search dog will almost always provide useful information for your search. However, there are some cases where one is more useful than others.
- If your pet is elderly, sick or injured and finding them quickly is a priority.
- If your pet is very skittish and may not be seen by anyone.
- Search dogs are often somewhat to very expensive (anywhere from $60-$100 or more/hr plus travel). In some cases, you might be better off spending your money on some good lost pet posters (not 8 1/2 x 11 flyers) and possibly a humane trap or surveillance camera.
Finding a Search Dog
Unfortunately pet detectives and pet trackers are few and far between across the country.
- Check Missing Pet Partnership’s Pet Detective National Network. This is not a comprehensive list and only includes pet detectives certified through MPP. If no one is in your area, contact the closest pet detective and see if they can refer you to someone local.
- Call local shelters or rescue groups and see if they can refer you to anyone in your area.
- Contact your local Search & Rescue group and see if they know of anyone. However, know that most SAR groups are not willing to use their search dogs to look for lost pets.
- Of course there’s always the option to search the internet. Try key words “pet detective” “lost pet tracker” or “lost pet tracking dog” and your state or adjoining states.
Using a Search Dog
You will most likely be accompanying the pet detective/search dog team while the search dog is doing his/her work. Think about the terrain in your search area and dress accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and put on insect repellent and sunscreen. Even if you don’t expect that your pet went very far, you should be prepared to possibly walk for an hour or two because you may be surprised at where they went.
What to bring on the track:
- Water (for you).
- Flyer or business cards to give out and posters to put up (if possible), as you may be going to places you haven’t been yet in your search. This will save backtracking later.
- A flashlight for searching under sheds, decks, cars, etc.
- A notebook for writing down any interesting places where you stopped and the streets where you walked. Some pet trackers will provide you with a GPS file for the track, but you may not receive this until several days later.
- A camera – same reason as the notebook.
- A can of cat food or dog treats in case you see your pet and need to lure them closer.
- Something to hold or restrain your pet should you have a walk-up find.
- Even a friendly cat may panic when found. Bring a cat carrier, duffel bag or pillow case to hold your cat.
- If possible, bring a slip lead to capture a loose dog.
- An open mind.*
*Many people who hire a search dog team already have an idea about what might have happened to their lost pet and where s/he might have gone. While you may be right, it is very important to keep an open mind and not develop tunnel vision. In my experience, it sometimes seems like people will hire a search dog just to verify what they believe happened, and if the search dog goes somewhere unexpected, they come to disbelieve the accuracy of the track. If you go through the energy and expense of hiring a search dog team, you should spend a minimum of one week focusing your search in the area that the search dog indicated.
