Search and rescue dogs: how they work, what they do, and why dogs thrive in this role
Humans see the world. Dogs smell it.
In Search and Rescue (SAR), that difference becomes a working skill.
SAR dogs use their natural skills to locate missing people, save lives, and bring answers to families. Through more than a decade as a handler, Éadaoin O’Gorman offers insight into how this work is done and what it demands of both dogs and handlers.
“I actually started by accident,” she says. Her entry point began with her first dog, Roxy. I had a wild, energetic dog and no idea how to tire her out physically or mentally,” she explains. “She absolutely loved it, and watching how much it motivated her made me fall in love with the work too.”
Today, Éadaoin runs Hounds and Helis, teaches mantrailing and air scent to pet and SAR dogs. She is also the Training Officer for Ireland’s Specialist Search and Rescue Dogs, and an Assistant Instructor with the International Bloodhound Training Institute.
What is search and rescue and why dogs matter
Search and Rescue teams exist to locate missing people as quickly and accurately as possible. They often work in difficult terrain, poor weather, and high-pressure situations.
Dogs are essential in this work because they can detect and interpret scent in ways humans and technology cannot.
“The dog follows scent, not stories.”
“As the human part of the team, a handler carries narratives into a search - timelines, witness accounts, theories about where the missing person might have gone. The dog carries none of that”, Éadaoin says. “The dog follows scent, not stories.”
This ability allows trained dogs to work in environments where visibility is poor, information is limited, or conditions change quickly. Scent gives search teams a way to move forward when other tools reach their limits.
The five types of search and rescue dogs
SAR dogs are trained for different roles depending on terrain and search conditions.
Mantrailing dogs follow the scent of a specific individual. “They do something amazing that no other resource can do… they follow the person’s direction of travel,” Éadaoin says, making them particularly effective in urban environments.
Air scent dogs search for any human scent carried on the wind. Working off lead, they are particularly effective in rural and wilderness environments. “They can cover vast amounts of ground really quickly, making them a force multiplier on a search,” she says.
Cadaver or Human Remains Detection (HRD) dogs are trained to detect the scent of human remains. They work across wilderness, urban, and water environments, including boat-based searches, and play a critical role when a search turns into a recovery.
Disaster and Collapsed Structure search dogs are deployed following earthquakes, explosions, or structural collapses. These dogs are trained to locate survivors trapped under debris, often working in unstable environments where human access is limited.
Avalanche search dogs work in snow-covered mountain terrain to locate people buried beneath avalanches. Speed is critical in these searches, and dogs are often the fastest way to pinpoint a buried casualty.
Each discipline requires different skills, but all rely on the same foundation: a dog’s ability to interpret scent and communicate what they find to their handler.
Can any dog take part in search and rescue?
“Breed is far less important than people often think,” says Éadaoin. “Our own team includes Collies, Labradors, Australian Shepherds, Spaniels, and more. What matters most is the individual dog’s drive, determination, and ability to thrive in challenging environments.”
"Search dog activities allow dogs to truly be dogs.”
A sport SAR dog is trained to develop real-life search skills, but only in training, competition, or simulation settings. “Puppies, seniors, nervous dogs, high-drive dogs, there is space for all of them,” Éadaoin explains.
Operational SAR dogs are trained to a much higher level, both physically and mentally, to prepare for real searches. “A successful SAR dog needs confidence, strong motivation, environmental resilience, and a deep willingness to work in partnership with their handler,” Éadaoin says. “They must be physically capable of the demands of the terrain and able to stay committed to the search despite weather, distraction, or fatigue.”
Why dogs thrive in search and rescue work
“Search dog activities allow dogs to truly be dogs”, Éadaoin explains, reflecting on years of working with SAR dogs. “They get to hunt, explore, search, and find. They’re encouraged to make decisions, navigate new environments, and solve problems in a way that feels instinctive and deeply rewarding.
It’s often the very behaviors most pet owners try to avoid… wanting to hunt, sniff, search, investigate, be curious, be relentless, that make outstanding search dogs. When we give those instincts a purpose, dogs thrive.
We see dogs become more resilient, more focused, and more connected with their handlers. Their confidence grows because they’re using their natural abilities and being celebrated for them.”
Éadaoin also sees nervous and reactive dogs find their balance here: “The structure and clarity of the scent work help them explore the world in a calm, controlled way. Once they understand the task, many begin to relax and enjoy new experiences that once felt overwhelming.”
She concludes, “Above all, this work offers dogs a sense of purpose and fulfilment, and that is one of the greatest gifts we can give them.”
What search and rescue brings to the handler
Handlers gradually build an understanding of scent behaviour, search strategy, and how to read their dog’s behaviour, while also learning how to care for their dog’s physical condition and long-term wellbeing.
Over time, this shared work strengthens the bond between handler and dog, shaping a working partnership built on trust, consistency, and clear communication. When that partnership is applied in real searches, the reward comes from knowing those skills can help bring answers to families and support the wider community.
“Most days, if not all, revolve around the dogs, and I would not have it any other way.”
How to get involved
“Getting started is easier than most people think,” Éadaoin says. “Mantrailing is accessible to almost every dog and is a fantastic introduction to search work.”
You can start with beginner mantrailing workshops or training with recognised instructors.
“Those interested in operational SAR should reach out to their local volunteer SAR dog teams,” she adds. “Most teams welcome newcomers and provide clear pathways for training as a handler, flanker, or support member.”
With you in every operation
SAR dogs rely on equipment that can handle water, debris, and long hours in demanding terrain. “Not all equipment is designed for that level of wear and tear,” Éadaoin says. At Non-stop dogwear, we work closely with Search and Rescue teams during development and support professionals through a dedicated program to remove equipment concerns so handlers can focus fully on training, readiness, and working safely with their dogs.
Learn more about the Pro program
