ILLWIS
ILLWIS Search Dogs
Scent-Specific Trailing, Human Remains Detection & Water Recovery
ABOUT
ILLWIS has served law enforcement and fire departments since 1985.
Who We Are
Illinois-Wisconsin Search & Rescue Dogs (ILLWIS) is a search and rescue unit made up of highly trained volunteer dog handlers and support personnel.
We help find missing and lost persons utilizing scent-specific tracking/trailing dog teams and human remains detection dogs (on land and water).
Available 24/7
ILLWIS is a not-for-profit 501(c) corporation. We respond to local and federal law enforcement agencies, and fire departments.
We never charge for our services and are available 24/7. We are fully insured. Many of our teams have nationally recognized certifications from NAPWDA & LETS.
Experience & Professionalism
Our unit has been in existence since 1985 and has answered over 700 search call-outs for LE, Fire & EMS agencies in Illinois and Wisconsin.
In addition to regular unit and individual trainings, our handlers have an average over 1000 hours of instruction with nationally recognized trainers.
Emergency Dispatch for Law Enforcement/Fire:
815-338-2144
Please ask for ILLWIS by name. Dispatch is courtesy of the McHenry County Sheriff.
** If a family member is missing, please call your local police department and request our services or the services of another K9 Unit.**
We are sorry, but we can only respond to requests that come from Law Enforcement and Fire Departments.
SERVICES
SCENT-SPECIFIC TRAILING
HUMAN REMAINS DETECTION
WATER RECOVERY
Our dogs are trained to follow the scent of one individual. This can be done regardless of how many other people or cars have "contaminated" the area. In some conditions it can be done days later. It can be done during or after rain and snow.
We can help locate human remains, hidden graves, bones, blood evidence, and burned remains in post-arson situations. Our dogs can work off-lead in the presence of other dogs and people, enabling us to cover more ground, more quickly.
Our dogs work from boats and shore to help pinpoint the location of submerged bodies so they can be recovered by rescue divers. They can begin to detect the presence of a drowned victim shortly after the incident.
In addition to unit certifications, most of our dogs are also certified by nationally recognized
law enforcement associations, such as the North American Police Working Dog Association (NAPWDA)
and Law Enforcement Specialists (LETS)
DONATE
We rely on donations to help defray some our expenses. We never charge for our services.
501c3 Not-for-Profit
We are a registered 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, so your donation of funds, goods, or services may be tax deductible. Consult your accountant.
A Great Gift for Pet Lovers!
If you're looking for a great gift for a dog lover, or wish to memorialize a beloved pet, please consider a donation to our unit in their name. We will send the recipient a beautiful acknowledgment card featuring pictures of our dogs.
We accept credit card donations through Paypal by clicking on the Donate button.
Or you can send a check to:
ILLWIS Search Dogs
PO Box 96
Woodstock IL 60098
Emergency Dispatch for Law Enforcement/Fire:
815-338-2144
Please ask for ILLWIS by name. Dispatch is courtesy of the McHenry County Sheriff.
** If a family member is missing, please call your local police department and request our services or the services of another K9 Unit.**
We are sorry, but we can only respond to requests that come from Law Enforcement and Fire Departments.
CONTACT
For information about ILLWIS Search Dogs, please contact us through the methods listed below.
Emergency Dispatch for Law Enforcement/Fire:
815-338-2144
Please ask for ILLWIS by name. Dispatch is courtesy of the McHenry County Sheriff.
** If a family member is missing, please call your local police department and request our services or the services of another K9 Unit.**
We are sorry, but we can only respond to requests that come from Law Enforcement and Fire Departments.
Please use the form at left for general inquiries.
The number above is for Law Enforcement and Fire Department dispatch only.
CHILDRENS' PROGRAMS
ILLWIS is sometimes able to offer "Lost in the Woods" educational programs to libraries and youth groups.
Kids' Programs
DEMONSTRATIONS
If you are in a Law Enforcement or Fire Department, and would like our unit to give a short presentation or demonstration of capabilities, please click below.
Demonstrations
BECOMING A HANDLER
If you are interested in becoming a search dog handler, or would like more information on K9 SAR, click below.
New Members
DONATIONS
We rely on donations to help defray some our expenses. We never charge for our services. Click below to donate.