Important Information – Please Read!
Be aware that there is no regulation or certification of search dogs for missing pets, and anyone can call their dog a search dog even with little or no training. I have worked with the individuals listed below on a limited basis or not at all so I can’t offer specific recommendations of one over the other or vouch for their services. However, in general I would recommend people that have completed the Missing Animal Response (MAR) technician training.
Before hiring a search dog team, you may want to check out the following articles:
- How Search Dogs Work – explains how they work and when they are most useful.
- Before You Hire a Search Dog – don’t waste your money on an untrained search dog! Learn how to find a competent pet detective or pet tracker.
- Using a Search Dog to Track an Outdoor-Access Cat – describes the challenges of tracking an outdoor-access cat and the limitations of the search dog.
- When NOT to Use a Search Dog to Track a Lost Dog – explains the situations when using a search dog can actually be detrimental to finding a lost dog.
Disclaimer: Lost Pet Research & Recovery (LPRR) makes no representations, warranties or guarantees as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the lost pet services provided by these individuals, and LPRR expressly disclaims all liability for damages or loss of any kind arising out of the use or performance of services provided by these search dog teams. It should be understood that only a small percentage of lost pets (generally less than 20% and often as low as 5%) are located during the search with the search dog, and in many cases, other search techniques may be required to find and catch a missing pet.
Search Dog Teams in the Northeast US
Connecticut
Summit Missing Animal Response Team (SMART)
Last I knew, SMART was not offering on-site searches.
Maine
Lost Pet Tracking Dogs
Owner: Lisa Nazarenko
Phone: (207) 200-8060
Email: use contact form on her website
Location: southern Maine near Portland
Lisa started her business in 2011 after training with Lost Pet Professionals. This company includes multiple tracking dogs and several search dog handlers in addition to the owner. May only be offering services in Maine.
Massachusetts
Wandering Tails Pet Recovery
Owner: Amy Simione-Garbarino
Contact: use Contact Form on website
Location: Boston area
According to website, they are not currently offering services. Search dog is retired, but still offers on-site services. Amy is a trained Missing Animal Response Technician through the Missing Animal Response Network. She started her business in 2014 and provides phone consultations, physical searches, posters, cameras and humane traps, primarily in the Boston area.
Wandering Paws K9 Missing Animal Recovery
Owner: Sam Beckman
Contact: message her on Facebook or call 508-431-0439
Location: southeast Massachusetts
Sam started her business in 2015. She has scent-specific tracking dogs and will generally only work scent trails less than one week old. Services are generally available in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Also has a thermal drone.
New York
Long Island Lost Dog Search & Rescue
Long Island, NY - Mostly lost dogs but may also help with missing cats.
Professional Pet Trackers
Kings Park, NY
Rhode Island
Pack Leader Pet Trackers
Owner: Jamie Genereux
Phone: (401) 787-7432
Email: packlabs2018 (at) gmail.com or Contact Form on website
Location: Rhode Island
Jamie used to operate a dog training business and offer volunteer lost pet searches (as Rhode Island Pet Trackers) since 2009 or earlier. He has several scent-specific tracking dogs that he often works off leash. In general they only work scent-trails that are less than 10 days old. Also has a thermal drone.
Virginia
These trackers are farther away, but will travel to New Jersey, New York or New England.
Professional Pet Trackers
Owner: Carmen Brothers
Phone: 540-532-7660
Email: info (at) professionalpettrackers.com or Contact Form on website
Location: northern Virginia
Not to be confused with the New York business of the same name. Also called Found, Inc. Carmen was a former volunteer at Dogs Finding Dogs and starting her own business in 2019 (?). She has several tracking dogs. Carmen has completed the Missing Animal Response Technician Course through MARN. She sometimes works with the non-profit group the Lost Animal Resource Group.
Last updated: 6/25/24
