So That Others
May Live
HRD Teams
Human Remains Detection (HRD) teams train to locate the scent of deceased humans in a given area. The odor that a decomposing human body presents varies based on the person’s lifestyle (chemo patient, diabetic, drug user, alcoholic, etc.), length of time since death (this morning vs. years ago), part of the body present (an organ vs. a tooth), and amount of the body present (tooth vs. an entire body). Teams train on every conceivable variable so that the dog develops a significant “library” of target odors to show their handlers if they encounter them.
HRD is a specific type of area search. The handler’s job is to assess the environmental conditions and direct their dog to areas where scent is most likely to be. The dog’s job is to utilize air or ground scent to locate remains. They are typically trained to show a passive alert (eg. lie down where the odor is strongest) so that they don’t disturb any clues that may be present to indicate how/why the person died.
JB & K9 Phinny
Certified: Human Remains Detection
Hi! My name is Phinnegan, but I go by Phinny, and I'm a Fox-Red Labrador Retriever.
I am certified in Human Remains Detection. I really love going on searches because they give me a chance to run and run and run. When I find a person, I lie down to show JB, my handler, where the person is.
K9 Phinny
Kitsap Dog 48
JB & K9 Pixie
Certified: Human Remains Detection
Pixie is a yellow Labrador Retriever who is full of energy particularly when it comes to her two favorite activities: training and working. She is a nationally certified human remains detection dog that has deployed on several cases in Washington State. After a successful search, Pixie is rewarded with a game of fetch and tug on the way back to the car. Maybe also a swim for the best day ever!
K9 Pixie / JB
Kitsap Dog 48
Kathy & K9 Bean
Certified: Human Remains Detection
Howdy All- I’m Bean,
I am the black Labradork in the bunch……..that is if you can see me……I go by really fast. I’m nationally certified in area search and large source human remains. If you don’t come home, I’ll be on the way to sniff you out as soon as I can. My handler, Kathy, is a bit on the slow side but that doesn’t matter to me; I run out front to cover lots of ground by myself. I’ll run back to let her know if I smell you and we’ll be on our way to help ASAP. My apologies in advance for all the noise I’m going to make when we get there. See, I’m going to get to play with my squeaky toys for a reward, and I’d love it if you play with me too.
K9 Bean
Kitsap Dog 32
Travis & K9 Rip
Certified: Human Remains Detection
This is a picture of K9 Rip and his handler Travis during their NSDA certification in land human remains detection (HRD). Passing this rigorous test means they are now not only able to deploy in Kitsap County but statewide.
K9 Rip / Travis
Kitsap Dog 80
Sally & K9 Torr
Certified: Land/Water Human Remains Detection
Hello! I’m Torr, a ten year old Chocolate Labrador Retriever. I am a Human Remains Detection K9 and have been certified by two national organizations: NSDA and SARDUS. My job is to help find missing persons and provide closure for their families. I love to search, and I tell my handler I’ve found someone by sitting down. Then my handler, Sally, plays tug with me with my favorite tug toy.
K9 Torr
Kitsap Dog 34
Sally & K9 Meara
Certified: Human Remains Detection
I’m Meara, a two year old Chocolate Labrador. I’m a certified HRD K9 just like my “Uncle” Torr. (I’m not exactly sure how we’re related, but we are and come from the same kennel). I am my handler, Sally’s, fourth search and rescue Chocolate Labrador, and I just love to search! I’ve learned a lot from Torr and Sally, but I’m pretty good all on my own. When I make a find, I sit and stare. Sally and I then play fetch and tug with my favorite chuck-it ball with a handle on it.
K9 Meara
Kitsap Dog 34
Tim & K9 Kimber
Certified: Human Remains Detection
Hello Everyone, my name is Kimber. I am a Belgian Malinois.
I am a certified air scent and large source HRD dog with my handler, Tim. We are best buddies and train everyday, rain or shine. When I find the lost person, I return to Tim and tug on my toy to let him know that I have found them. Then it’s party time with treats and my tug toy! I get to do some really fun things while working, and I am up for anything!
K9 Kimber
Kitsap Dog 76
Brandi & K9 Fox
Certified: Human Remains Detection
My name is Fox, and I am a certified air scent search dog. This is a picture of my handler Brandi and myself on the day we passed our certification test. I can find someone just about anywhere, even on mountains. I let Brandi know that I have found them by giving her a bark. Brandi’s job is to carry my toy – oh, and our water too. Bless her – she tries really hard. Brandi thinks I do all of this to get my toy and a treat after I lead her back to the person I’ve found. Truth is, I just really love doing it. But don’t tell her that. I have been holding out for more play time.
K9 Fox
Kitsap Dog 90
Kel & K9 Maxx
Certified: Human Remains Detection
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Our Clallam county friends, Kel and K9 Maxx, are certified in Human Remains Detection!
Kel / K9 Maxx
Kitsap Dog 50
Geoff and K9 Trooper
Certified: Human Remains Detection