Every person has a unique scent that helps distinguish them from others. When a loved one goes missing, this scent can help locate the individual and bring them home safely. Scent Evidence K9, a Tallahassee, FL-based K9 Trailing company, has discovered a better way for families and caregivers to preserve the uncontaminated scent of those they love and care for, before a missing persons event occurs. The Scent Preservation Kit®, developed by former FBI Forensic Canine Specialist and Scent Evidence K9 CEO, Paul Coley, is being utilized by communities and law enforcement agencies across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Having a scent kit ready can be one of the most effective ways to help K9 search-and-rescue teams locate the lost quickly and bring them home safely.   

Scent Kits Can Help Find Those Who Wander

There are several groups who are at higher risk of wandering or going missing. Two of the most vulnerable populations are children with autism spectrum disorder and persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia. The American Pediatric Association states that almost 50% of autistic children will go missing at least once before the age of 17. Studies have also shown that 6 out of 10 individuals with dementia will become lost. Having a scent kit prepared for these at-risk groups can save their lives by reducing the time it takes for scent-discriminate K9 search-and-rescue teams to locate them. 

How Scent Preservation Helps K9 Trailing Teams Find Missing Persons

Preserving a person’s scent ahead of time is the first step in protecting those you love and care for in case they go missing. Having a scent kit prepared gives law enforcement responders and K9 Trailing teams a head start by providing an uncontaminated scent article for the dog to trail. This dramatically increases the accuracy of search and rescue responder efforts and reduces find time when every minute counts.

For more information on how scent kits can help locate a missing person, contact Scent Evidence K9 at (850) 272-6950. For more information on their Scent Preservation Kit®, visit them online.