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 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)
As mid-2026, SMART does not have any search dogs. It is unclear from their website whether they are offering any on-site services at this time.
Wandering Paws K9 Missing Animal Recovery
Owner: Sam Beckman
Contact: message her on Facebook or call 508-431-0439
Location: northeast Connecticut. Her website may still say she is in North Attleboro, MA, but she has moved.
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.
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.
New York
Long Island Lost Dog Search & Rescue
Long Island, NY - Mostly lost dogs but may also help with missing cats.
Lost Pet Search Dogs
Owner: Kelly Brach
Phone: 631-973-LOST
Email: lostpetsearchdogs (at) gmail.com or Contact Form on website
Location: Kings Park, NY
Search Dog Teams that travel to the Northeast US
If you are unable to locate a search dog team nearby and you have the resources, check out these search dog teams that may travel to the Northeast US. Depending on your location these might cost $2,000 to $5,000 or more.
Professional Pet Trackers
Owner: Carmen Brothers
Phone: 540-532-7660
Email: info (at) professionalpettrackers.com or Contact Form on website
Location: northern Virginia
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.
Feline Finders
Owner: Lisa Willems
Phone: 501-993-1999
Email: lisa (at) thefelinefinders.com or Contact Form on website
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Located in Arkansas but willing to travel nationwide. She has more than 14 years experience in finding lost pets and specializes in lost cats. Lisa is also a certified Missing Animal Response Technician through MARN.
Last updated: 6/7/26
