Cost Analysis of Search and Rescue Dogs

Cost analysis of Search & Rescue Dogs

Costs and benefits of using search and rescue dogs

Search and rescue dogs "are the hard-working heroes of disaster relief, but it's all a game to these talented canines. Finding a victim brings a reward -- a hug, a treat, a tussle with a favorite toy. The dogs live for the praise, even though it must sometimes be muted in deference to grief" (Woolf 2010). Although all dogs can be used in search and rescue efforts, the preferred breeds are 'scent' hounds. These dogs are bred to follow a scent and love getting a chance to be outdoors, using their special ability to great effect.

Dogs used in search and rescue efforts can be of great benefit to other animals. They have been able to find lost pets after natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Their presence also highlights the importance of the human-animal bond. Their loyal service encourages all observes to treat animals more humanely.

The benefits to the owners of dog search-and-rescue are to be found in the dog-human bond, and the enhanced relationship created by 'working' as well as 'playing' together. "Each dog has different cues that tell the handler that it is getting close to the quarry, that it is confused or unsure, or that it is tired. A handler must understand and trust his dog's cues to know when to proceed and when to quit" (Woolf 2010). The dogs have been useful in finding "lost children, Alzheimer's patients, overdue fishermen or hunters, accident victims, and lost or injured hikers" and earned the grateful thanks of many families (Woolf 2010).

The dog's service is of great indirect benefit to the community at large, given that engaging in massive search efforts can be a tremendously costly endeavor. Because of the efforts of these dogs, widespread 'manhunts' are not always necessary. The dogs bring a sense of safety to all who know that the animals are available to provide aid.

In terms of 'costs' to the animals, there is the undeniable fact that search and rescue missions can be hard work. The dogs must often navigate rough territory and may be exposed to injury. Although most volunteer dogs do not track felons unless they are in the care of professionally-trained owners, there is the risk of danger when searching for anyone in a disaster area.

Costs to other animals might include the 'macro' costs of breeding dogs specifically for their ability to track scents. This could indirectly fuel the industry of breeding dogs, versus focusing on finding homes for dogs of mixed origin. There are also 'costs' to the environment in terms of viewing animals as creatures to serve humans, and viewing the natural world as a tool rather than something with integrity in and of itself. Dogs may be called to rescue skiers who imprudently went out on a mountain that was too steep for them, or asked to rescue swimmers who jumped into water with no lifeguard present. This forces the dog to risk their lives for a human being who needlessly risked his own (Gunn & Ralston 20100.