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A K9 search team, in the context of missing persons is a specialized unit that uses trained dogs to assist in locating individuals who are lost or missing. 

Find Local K9 Teams

K9 search teams are often deployed in conjunction with law enforcement and other search and rescue organizations, and they play a crucial role in the search efforts due to their specialized skills and training.

K9 SEARCH TEAMS TYPICALLY CONSIST OF

Handler

The person who is responsible for guiding and working with the K9. They are often trained in search and rescue techniques and in handling the specific needs and behaviors of their dog.

Search Dog (K9)

The dog, trained in specific skills relevant to locating missing persons. Different types of K9s may be used depending on the situation, such as:

  • Scent Dogs: Most useful in the first 24 hours. Will trail a scent from a persons article of clothing.
  • Cadaver Dogs: Trained to detect the scent of human remains. Useful if you suspect remains to be located in a certain area.
  • Forensic Dogs: Useful if the remains have been missing for a long period of time. They are trained to search for the scent of human bones.
  • Water Search Dogs: Trained to work in water environments to locate missing persons or evidence. They are searching for the scent of gases being released from the deceased body in the waater.

Support Personnel

This may include additional team members who assist with logistics, communication, and other operational needs.

Can your missing person case benefit from a k9 search team?

Check out this informative interview  by LordanArts with our own, Candice Cooley. 

LOCAL K9 TEAMS

Are you a K9 Handler that helps families of missing persons?

Would you like to be featured in our network or partner with us?

Learn more

Checklist for choosing a k9 team

Not all K9 teams are trained and certified equally. How can you ensure that the team you’re considering has the necessary qualifications to ensure any evidence they find during a search will be admissible in court?

Download PDF

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