K9 Track &Trail Team

Tonto Rim Search & Rescue (TRSAR) Track and Trail K9 team plays a crucial role in locating missing people by utilizing the extraordinary scent-tracking abilities of trained dogs. These teams consist of a handler and their K9 partner, working together to follow scent trails and pinpoint the location of a lost or stranded individual.

What We Do:

• Scent Detection and Tracking: The K9 is trained to detect and follow a specific human scent, often taken from an article of clothing, personal item, or a place the person was last seen. The dog can discern this scent from others in the environment and follow it over various terrains, including forests, deserts, mountains, and urban areas.
• Trail Identification: Trail K9s specialize in finding the path a missing person has taken. They can pick up scents from ground disturbances, such as crushed vegetation or soil displaced by footsteps, as well as from residual human scent left in the air. These skills are critical in identifying the direction of travel, even in areas where the trail may not be visually apparent.
• Team Dynamics: The handler’s role is to interpret the K9’s signals, guide them safely, and communicate findings to the rest of the SAR team. The pair must operate in harmony, with the handler trusting the dog’s instincts and training while ensuring they both remain focused and safe.

Cheri & Bodhi

Alicia & Leia

In loving memory of our K9 partners:

Chill Reed

February 3, 2011 – December 4, 2023

Chill passed away at the age of 12.

To Learn More:

If you are passionate about making a difference in your community, possess the necessary skills, and share an appreciation for the bond between humans and horses, we welcome you to learn more about our Equine Search and Rescue Team.  Please consider attending a TRSAR General Meeting held the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Payson Library.