Meet the TRUSAR K9 Team

The use of canines in search and rescue is an important and valuable component in responding to call outs. As such, dedicated handlers and hard working/ well-trained canines are required in efforts to be an effective portion of the SAR team.

There are three common types of search dogs.

Airscent Dogs

Airscent dogs detect live human scent that is airborne on wind currents to help locate their victims. They typically work off-lead and cover large areas of terrain in search of human scent. The dogs alert their handler once they have located a victim and lead the handler back to the victim's location.

Tracking/Trailing Dogs

Tracking/trailing dogs follow the trail where a specific person has walked. They usually work on-lead, keeping their noses low to the ground. These dogs require the use of a scent article from the person for which they are searching.

Human Remains Detection (HRD) Dogs

HRD dogs are used to locate the remains of deceased victims. These dogs typically work off-lead and may be used to search for entire bodies or individual pieces of a body, including blood, bones, teeth, hair, and tissue. They work similarly to airscent dogs in that they use the air currents to locate scent. The dog will alert the handler once it has located human remains.

Some law enforcement agencies have had bad experiences in using search dogs or with their handlers. Because of this, it is a necessity that all TRUSAR canine handlers work diligently to train and handle their canines and to interact with law enforcement and other SAR teams with the utmost respect and professionalism. Canine handlers should always remember that SAR is a team effort and is not a competition between other dogs/handlers. We are all working towards a common goal to help the victim and/or victim’s family. The following is an abridged portion of our standards. For more detailed standards, please contact us at info@trusar.org.

Continue to canine standards (Page 2)