Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs are valuable resources in community efforts to find lost or missing people. They can work day or night, in most kinds of weather and terrain and are especially effective where human sight or access may be limited. All humans constantly shed microscopic skin particles. These particles, which bear a unique scent for each individual, can be transported by the wind or deposited on vegetation and other surfaces. The air scent SAR dog finds people by pinpointing the highest concentration of live human scent suspended in the surrounding air. Air scenting can be successful long after the person has been reported missing since the subject will still be emitting scent. The trailing SAR dog locates people by following the path of a specific human’s scent deposited on the ground or vegetation as the person moves through an area. Because this scent is affected by humidity, temperature, and time, it is vital to field a trailing dog as soon as possible after the person becomes lost.
SAR Dogs are called upon to find: children and other individuals lost in wilderness, parks, and urban areas; elderly persons who have wandered away from family gatherings, homes, and special care facilities; overdue hikers, hunters, and fishermen who may be injured, sick, or lost. Dogs trained in Human Remains Detection (HRD) will also locate deceased victims of accidents and suicide on land and in or near water.
