In a recent fictional novel, a fledgling private investigator (PI) reluctantly took on pet cases, from finding an African helmeted tortoise to searching for her neighbor’s short-tempered dog. Tracking down these missing pets provided fun subplots, though a writer could also build a more serious story starring a PI who specializes in finding animals. This article defines the role of a pet detective, her skill set 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 missing pets. They use a combination of profiling, search and rescue, surveillance and even complaint 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, like Pet Hunters International and Pet Detective University, that train PIs to become certified pet detectives.

Bloodhounds and other dogs can also be trained to help pet PIs. Just as tracking 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 bedding or a dog’s favorite chew toy. Additionally, some search dogs are trained to spot specific animals, such as cats, while others are trained 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:

• Does he/she 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 a day. Does your character charge similarly? If so, his lifestyle will reflect a high income (unless he’s not very good with money or has other financial obligations).
• What research traits does your fictional IP pet use? As with other IPs, they can rely on your reasoning, analysis of physical evidence, interview and interrogation, and surveillance techniques to recover lost pets.
• Where did your fictional pet’s IP learn about animal behavior, for example, in college, in a vet’s office, or while growing up on a farm?

There’s one last point about writing a favorite detective: He probably has a big heart. After all, animals possess all the best in humans.