Dogs are an important asset in searches for lost people.

According to the U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvinile Justice and Delinquencey Prevention in the book " When Your Child Is Missing" Page 7

"Tracking or trailing dogs, preferably blood hounds, should be brought immediately to the scene where your child was last seen.
The fresher the trail, the more likely the dogs will be able to find your child, Bloodhounds are your best bet, because they have 60 times the tracking power of German shepherds, can discriminate amoung scents, and can follow your child's scent in the air and on the ground. This means that they may be able to pick up your child's scent even if he or she was carried in someone's arms or in a vehicle."

There are two types of search dogs: air scent dogs and bloodhounds. Each type is bred and trained for a particular type of search.
The most importaant thing to remember is getting search dogs is to be sure they are well trained, both the dogs and the handlers. Without constant training a dog and handler will be of no use in a seaarch.

Air scent dogs were mostly German Shepherds, however the search and rescue units are using many other breeds, Some of the more popular are Labrador and golden retrievers, Australian shepherds, border collies,newfoundlands and chesapeke Bay retrievers. but there's alot of other breeds, including mixed breed dogs that are excellent trackers and air scenters and are trained to find humans. Air scent dogs are most likely to be available through local law enforcement or search & resuce organizations.

Bloodhounds are bred and trained to find individuals. Some search & rescue units have bloodhounds. Many times they are only available through outside sources. Most good dogs and handlers cost only expenses or are available without charge. In remote rural areas it is sometimes expensive to bring in dogs and handlers and these expenses have to be paid by someone.Those wanting fees for services should be avoided. The recommendation of the law enforcement unit conducting the search should be obtained as they should know of good dogs and handlers they can work with in conducting the search.

Both types of dog teams are useful in a search for a lost person - a search is an emergency. Both air scent and trailing dogs are used in urban areas. The trailing dog will attempt to find the child's path from the last known location while area search dogs are used to search buildings, vacant lots, creeks, etc. If trained for the task, dogs can also be used to check lakes and ponds.

Both types of dogs can be and should be utilized at the same time in a search. The search manager should be familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each type of search dog.

In most searches for lost individuals, the first few hours are the most important in successful recovery. Dogs should be used immediately when an individual is reported missing.