Twenty-five years ago, search-and-rescue dog teams were deployed to the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and later to the Staten Island landfill, where debris from the towers was cleared. These dogs faced unprecedented conditions, navigating unstable rubble for extended periods alongside firefighters, police, and other responders, all while inhaling smoke, ash, and dust that settled into their fur and eyes. Veterinarian Cynthia Otto, who cared for the dogs on site, was left pondering the long-term effects on their health as they aged.
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To investigate, Otto enrolled 95 deployed dogs in a long-term study, alongside 55 dogs that had not participated in the September 11 operations. The study included annual check-ups, blood work, chest X-rays, and post-mortem examinations when permitted. The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, which Otto leads, supported this research with over $500,000 across eight grants, often after media attention had waned.
The study aimed to identify potential health issues among the deployed dogs. Contrary to initial fears, researchers did not observe increased rates of premature death, cancer, or severe respiratory diseases among these dogs. Though autopsies showed some had residual particulate matter in their lungs years after deployment, this did not correlate with widespread health problems.
Notably, the study suggested that working dogs may live longer than their pet counterparts of the same breeds. While it could not conclusively determine that their lifestyle extended their lifespans, it highlighted aspects of their lives that could benefit pet owners as well: maintaining a healthy weight, ensuring regular exercise appropriate for their age and ability, engaging their minds through various activities, and being vigilant of any behavioral changes.
Handlers of working dogs typically develop a profound understanding of their partners, a practice that pet owners can emulate by monitoring signs of health changes. Additionally, the traits that characterize search-and-rescue dogs—such as energy, learnability, and resilience—serve as valuable lessons for humans: remain curious, embrace challenges, and foster meaningful relationships with companions.
Ultimately, the enduring influence of these search-and-rescue dogs reminds us of the importance of living a full life—enriched with movement, curiosity, care, resilience, and companionship. Dr. Stephanie Montgomery, a veterinarian and CEO of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, has highlighted these findings in light of the research she led.