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By Ariele Johannson
June 17, 2013 (San Diego’s East County) – Any pet owner who has lost their pet - be it Schnauzer, iguana, Siamese cat, or parrot - knows how disconcerting and even agonizing it can be to find your pet has disappeared. Wouldn’t you want someone professional to help you locate your pet who considers your lost pet “a missing family member?" Pet Search and Rescue detectives Annalisa Berns and K9 Handler Judy Britton help pet owners locate their lost pets intact; or in some cases, to get closure if the pet has not survived. These Pet Detectives use search dogs and a combination of techniques. Pet Search and Rescue has an impressive 80% success rate.
According to Annalisa Berns, their trained dogs can search for almost any animal, although most cases involve lost cats and dogs. They have worked on cases involving snakes, tortoises and turtles. Pet Search and Rescue have trained their search dogs to find even a mouse!
But are they unique? There are only about a dozen pet detective agencies with search dogs across the U.S. This organization, which originated in San Diego County, offers pet detective services in Southern California, Ohio and Florida. According to Ms. Berns, Pet Search and Rescue is the first agency offering trained dogs to find lost pets in Southern California and is the longest running company in the field.
Recently, Pet Search and Rescue took on a case in Alpine, CA that involved a male dog named Napolean. Judy Britton’s canine tracking team of Mollie and Zep did locate Napolean’s trail very quickly. The scent trail repeatedly led to the neighbor’s yard and the neighbor's son allowed them into the yard. The homeowner stated that he found a deceased small black dog and buried it along his back fence line. These neighbors had not seen the posters until Judy, Mollie, and Zep showed up. It was confirmed to be Napoleon. Apparently, this beloved pet passed away during a fight with another domestic animal. After being located by Pet Search and Rescue, his remains were returned to his family for cremation, according to the family’s wishes.
What the neighbor did - burying Napoleon and not informing his owners what he had done or found - is not illegal. Napolean’s family, the Storms, made a decision to try to change this. The chronicle of their efforts can be followed on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JusticeForNapoleon.
Pet Search and Rescue was founded eight years ago. Annalisa Berns was searching for a way to help animals and spend time with her rescued dog, Lilly, who was adopted from Central Animal Control in San Diego. Lilly was an active puppy and needed a job. Berns found Kat Albrecht of Missing Pet Partnership, and attended training to learn about lost pets and how to find them. The first cat case Berns and Lilly worked as a team was solved - they found evidence of a missing cat that was deceased. The first dog case they worked yielded critical information that led to trapping the missing dog. ABC's Good Morning America show highlighted Pet Search and Rescue’s successful effort to locate a stolen dog.
When East County Magazine asked about the costs for services and if there is any help for low-income pet owners, we found out the following information from the organization: “We offer help to everyone. There are many things a family with a very low budget can do to search for their lost pet. We offer free information, resources, and tips. While the Search Dog option isn't for every case or every budget, Pet Search and Rescue wants everyone to find their pet!” They also offer Lost Dog or Cat Recovery Guides-which are downloadable ebooks-for only $19.99. These guides include about 100 specific methods for people to use in the search for their lost dog or cat, including a list of free and low-cost search methods. Annalisa Berns, Judy Britton, and their team of canine specialists also do case reviews and then provide consultations for low rates.
Personalized phone consultation rates are $220 via phone or $70 via email. The in-person search starts around $695 and goes up based on travel time and supplies. One satisfied pet owner stated, “It was the best money I have ever spent.”
Pet Search and Rescue Information:
Annalisa Berns, Pet Detective
www.PetSearchAndRescue.com / 800-925-2410
Find them on FB as "Pet Search and Rescue": https://www.facebook.com/PetSearchAndRescue
Lost dog? Don't put off your search! The Lost Dog Recovery Guide available for purchase online:
http://helpfindlostpets.com/lost-dog-recovery-guide.
Missing cat? The Lost Cat Recovery Guide available for purchase online:
http://helpfindlostpets.com/lost-cat-recovery-guide.
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