Always Ready, So Others May Live

Emergency Call 911         We do not search for lost Pets

K9 Search & Rescue Services of West Virginia Inc. is an all-volunteer group of specially trained individuals and K9's with the mission of locating and reuniting lost/missing persons with their loved ones using basic and advanced search and rescue techniques. We assist emergency response agencies by providing aid in search and rescue operations. Our team is composed of both volunteers and certified K9s, complying to standards established by NASAR. Our K9s possess scent discrimination abilities, allowing them to differentiate between the scents of various individuals. By acquiring a scent article from the individual, our K9s, trained in both Air Scenting and Trailing, can effectively track the scent of the missing person. Additionally, our Human Remains Detection (H.R.D) dogs are trained to locate deceased individuals in Urban, Wilderness, and Water environments. To request our services, please reach out to us; we offer mutual aid support to other search and rescue organizations, as well as local fire and rescue teams, law enforcement agencies, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Department of Natural Resources. Please note that we cannot accept requests from family or friends. References are available upon request.

Area Search 

Scent Discriminant 

 Airscenting is a specialized technique used by search and rescue dogs to locate individuals by detecting scents carried by the wind. This method is effective in diverse environments like fields, forests, and urban areas, allowing dogs to cover larger areas than tracking dogs, which focus on ground scents. Trained to recognize specific scents, airscent dogs use scent discrimination exercises to differentiate odors. During searches, they detect the "hot" scent—fresh, concentrated scent particles in the air—enabling them to find lost or trapped individuals, even if they are not nearby. Airscenting is efficient for covering vast terrains quickly, as these dogs can work off-leash, exploring multiple paths and adapting to changing wind patterns. When they detect a scent, they signal their handler through specific behaviors, alerting them to a potential victim's presence. The dog then leads the handler to the individual for a swift rescue. Environmental factors like wind speed and humidity can influence the effectiveness of airscenting.

Human Remains Detection 

Cadaver dogs, or human remains detection dogs, are specially trained canines adept at locating human remains in various conditions and locations, including buried or submerged bodies and decomposed remains. Their exceptional sense of smell allows them to detect unique scent markers associated with human decomposition, making them invaluable in forensic investigations, search and rescue operations, and recovery efforts. In addition to identifying decomposed remains, these dogs are trained for specific scenarios, such as retrieving bodies from water, where they excel in navigating aquatic environments. Overall, cadaver dogs play a crucial role in crime scene investigations, disaster recovery, and missing person cases, highlighting their significance in forensic science and search operations.

Trailing

Scent Discriminant 

Trailing dogs are specially trained canines with an exceptional ability to track distinct human scents, even when the scent does not follow the individual's actual path. Environmental factors like wind, temperature, humidity, and terrain can affect how scents disperse, complicating the tracking process. These dogs excel at following scent trails left on the ground, detecting unique markers even if they are faint or days old. A well-trained trailing dog can trace the footsteps of someone who passed through an area long ago, distinguishing that trail from others nearby. Trailing dogs can also track individuals who have traveled by vehicle, picking up scents that escape through open windows or ventilation systems. Their training allows them to navigate various terrains, including hills, marshes, forests, and urban areas, making them invaluable for search and rescue operations and law enforcement activities.

K9 Theo and K9 Charlee receives 2024 K9 Hero Award. Read their story by using the K9 HERO AWARD tab.  

Service available: 24/7 even Holidays 

Mailing address: [ 31 Barrcut Rd. Spencer, WV. 25276 ]

Phone: [ 304-373-4134  ]

Email: [ k9sarserviceswv@gmail.com ]

Follow Us: [ @k9sarserviceswv ]

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If you feel inspired to support our organization and its vital work, we invite you to make a contribution through the link provided below. Your generosity plays a crucial role in helping us achieve our mission, and we are truly grateful for your consideration of a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to continue our efforts and reach those in need. Together, we can create a meaningful impact in the lives of many. Remember, our guiding principle is "So Others May Live," and with your support, we can turn this principle into action. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for believing in the power of community and compassion.