Pet Search and Rescue: Pet Detectives on the Scent

Sep 10, 2025 | Working Dogs, Animal Welfare, Emergency Veterinary Services, General Veterinary Care, Paws and Effect Podcast, Pet Care

In this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast we journey into the incredible world of pet search and rescue. Dr Carra welcomes passionate Diane Mac Intosh, founder of Healthy Hound SA and expert scent detection trainer.

Diane lifts the lid on her one-of-a-kind career using specially trained detection dogs to track and reunite lost pets with their families across South Africa.

You’ll discover:

  • How dogs like Axel sniff out lost cats and dogs using their incredible sense of smell.
  • The science behind scent tracking and why it’s much trickier with pets than with humans.
  • Tips for pet owners on prevention and what to do if your pet goes missing.
  • Real-life, jaw-dropping rescue stories, complete with joyful reunions and dramatic close calls!
  • How you can get involved, and why Diane’s now creating South Africa’s first pet detection training school.

Whether you’re fascinated by dog training, animal rescue, or just love a good happy ending, this episode will tug at your heartstrings and leave you in awe of the amazing bond between humans and their canine companions, as well as the incredible capabilities of the dogs who perform these searches.

Connect with Diane Mac Intosh:

Instagram: @healthyhound.sa
Website: healthyhound.co.za

Connect with Dr Carra:

Website: drcarra.com
Instagram: 
@UltraPetVet
LinkedIn: 
/drcarra
Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital: 
hillcrestvets.co.za

THIS EPISODES SPONSORS:

Ultra Pet: This episode is sponsored by Ultra Pet premium pet food, who has been scientifically formulating premium pet food for over 25 years. If you want to take the guesswork out of feeding your furry friends, give Ultra Pet premium pet food a try.

Just for Pets is proud to sponsor this episode of the Paws and Effect podcast. Visit their website for all your pet needs and find everything from toys to food and much more. The team over at Just For Pets believe that every pet deserves the best care possible, and that’s why we offer a wide ran.

Do you have questions?:

Got a Pet Question or Vet Topic in Mind? We’d love to hear from you!

Is there something you’ve always wanted to know about your pet? Or maybe there’s a vet-related topic you think more pet owners should hear about? Send us your questions, stories, or topic suggestions and you might hear it discussed on an upcoming episode of the Paws and Effect podcast!

Email Dr Carra at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and she’ll get in touch with you.

BE A GUEST ON PAWS AND EFFECT:

Are you inolved with pets and have interesting information or a story to tell us?
Email Dr Carra at drcarra@pawsandeffect.co.za and she’ll get in touch with you.

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