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Why Search and Rescue Dogs are an effective resource on a search mission
A dog’s extraordinary sense of smell has proven again and again that canines are an important part of a search mission. Using trained SAR dogs often reduces the search length, hence increasing the probability of finding someone alive. How do SAR dogs do this? Humans shed millions of scent cells per second that are detectable by a dog’s nose. NASAR experts “estimate that a single dog team can be as effective as 20-30 human searchers in locating missing persons in a given period of time.”
Types of SAR dogs:
Airscent dog:
• Does not require a scent article
• Does not need tracks
• Does not need the area kept clear of other searchers
• PLS (point last seen) is not necessary
• Can be worked as scent discriminating if given a scent article
• Can be utilized even if a great deal of time has passed
Trailing dog:
• requires PLS (point last seen)
• can be worked as scent discriminating if given a scent article
• helpful in indicating direction of travel
Cadaver/HDR (human remains detection) dog:
• Does not need a scent article
• Most effective when given a contained area to work
Water Cadaver dog:
• Does not need a scent article
• Needs water clear of divers while searching
• Helpful in narrowing down divers' search area
SCSARDA has trained K-9’s in all areas including airscent, trailing, and cadaver.
How to make the most effective use of a K-9 Team:
• Have topographical maps of the search area (it is helpful to mark areas previously searched)
• Inform handlers of when a given area was last searched
• If possibly, keep traffic away from the PLS (point last seen)
• When feasible include dog teams in your agency’s preplanning stages.
SCSARDA K-9’s are friendly, well-trained dogs. K-9 handlers are skilled in interpreting how their dog’s behavior might be affected by the enviroment: weather conditions, wind directions, and temperatures…etc. SCSARDA team members are additionally skilled in: land navigation, radio communications, first aid/CPR, survival training, clue awareness, and search tactics.
Worried about cost? SCSARDA is a 501-C3 non-profit organization. We do not charge for services rendered.
Our membership is made up entirely of volunteers.
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