Catch up TV

Series 8: 11. Pets Saving Lives

Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK, and across the country there are hundreds of volunteer search and rescue groups on hand to support the emergency services in their quest to find each missing person.\n\nIn this documentary, we meet SARDA IN (Search and Rescue Dog Association, Ireland North), a team of amazing volunteers and their even more incredible dogs.\n\nThe volunteer dog handlers are ordinary people with everyday jobs, from paramedics to engineers. Every dog is first and foremost a much-loved family pet, but together they’re on standby, ready to help when needed. \nWe meet all breeds of dogs, from border collies and labradors to Dutch herders and American coonhounds, including some rescued dogs that have now become the rescuers.\n\nEach dog has been through a rigorous training programme in their specialised discipline, from air-scenting mountain search to cadaver victim recovery, and is ready, 24/7, to respond to a call-out from the emergency services.\n\nWe have a front row seat as the team quickly respond, helping the emergency services and other volunteer groups find their missing person. And we learn more about what makes a great search and rescue dog and the passion and commitment required to be a volunteer on a search and rescue team.

Source: BBC 2