Southern Michigan K9 Search & Response Unit is an all volunteer missing person response team available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We specialize in K9 Teams trained for scent specific trailing. Our team deploys With the request of law-enforcement. We are a 501(c)(3) organization.
Training & Qualification
Our K-9 Handlers’ training never stops. We train many hours a day constantly striving to better our skills and prepare for whatever circumstances we may encounter to bring missing loved ones home.
Specialized training includes:
- SAR TECH Certification
- Search Management Certification
- Crime Scene Preservation
- Land Navigation
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- Lost Person Behavior
- NIMS 100, 200, 700, 800
- K-9 First Aid
Missing persons may include but are not limited to:
- Missing children
- Alzheimers patients
- Lost hikers/hunters/runners/campers
- Autistics
- Suicidal tendencies
- Run Aways
K-9 Training
SMSAR dogs undergo an intense training program designed to ready them for national search and rescue certification. They are extensively socialized, physically fit and highly driven to do their job. Training begins in puppyhood and continues throughout the dog’s life. Each dog belongs to their handler and is strongly bonded with the team. Along with in house training, our dogs also participate in various training seminars around the country to further strengthen their skills.
Why a Bloodhound?
Bloodhounds specialize in:
- Scent Specific Trails
- Aged Trails
- Contaminated Trails
- Water Crossings
- Urban Trails
- Wilderness Trails
- Abductions
- Car Bail Outs
- All Weather Searches
Information needed for a search:
- Point Last Seen
- Basic Description of the missing person
- Medical Background/Disabilities
- Scent Article (we prefer to collect)
Scent Articles
A scent article is presented at the start of a trail in order for the dog to discriminate which scent to follow. In the absence of a scent article, other methods can be used.