In a recent fiction novel, a neophyte private investigator (PI) grudgingly dealt with pet cases, from finding a helmeted African tortoise to searching for his neighbor’s short-tempered dog. Tracking down these lost pets provided fun subplots, though a writer could also construct a more serious story starring a private investigator who specializes in finding animals. This article defines the role of a pet detective, their skills and tools, and the techniques that writers can apply to develop such a character.

What is a pet detective?

Pet detectives are trained to find (or improve the chances of finding) lost or misplaced pets. They use a combination of profiling, search and rescue, surveillance, and even grief counseling techniques. They often use high-tech tools, from night vision binoculars to motion-activated surveillance cameras. His strategies have reunited thousands of lost pets with their human companions. There are even professional organizations, such as Pet Hunters International and Pet Detective University, that train IPs to become certified pet detectives.

Bloodhounds and other dogs can also be trained to help pet PIs. Just as creeping dogs like German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, and Border Collies can follow a human scent, they can also follow a pet’s scent from something like a cat’s bed or a dog’s favorite chew toy. Additionally, some search dogs are trained to detect specific animals, such as cats, while others serve to attract other canines.

Tips for writing a pet detective

If you are writing a story with a detective who finds lost pets, think about the following questions:

• Do you have a search dog?
• What tools does your PI pet use? For example, night vision binoculars, motion activated surveillance cameras, a bionic ear to amplify sounds?
• In real life, a pet PI can make a lucrative living, with flat fees of $ 300 to $ 1,000 per day. Does your character load similarly? If so, your lifestyle will reflect a high income (unless you are not very good with money or have other financial obligations).
• What research traits does your fictional PI pet use? As with other IPs, they can rely on your reasoning, analysis of physical evidence, interviews and interrogations, and surveillance techniques to recover lost pets.
• Where did your fictional pet PI learn about animal behavior, for example in college, at a vet’s office, or while growing up on a farm?

There’s one last point about writing to a pet detective: they probably have a big heart. After all, animals possess all that is best in humans.