Janie Merickel

Janie Merickel is an experienced Archaeological Human Remains Detection Dog handler who works alongside Charger, her black Labrador Retriever and dedicated human remains detection dog. Registered with Canine Resources for Archaeology, Janie and Charger have supported archaeological surveys, cold case investigations, missing-person searches, and water recoveries across the United States.

Their work spans collaborations with the National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tribal representatives, state agencies, archaeologists, coroners, law enforcement, search and rescue teams, and private cultural resource management firms. Together, they have surveyed sites including National Park Service properties in Alaska, areas along the Haines Highway near Klukwan, historic cemeteries and battlefield locations, and a major cultural resource project in Georgia.

With more than 20 years of search and rescue and detection experience, Janie’s expertise encompasses avalanche rescue, live-find searches, and human remains detection. She dedicated 26 years as a professional ski patroller and remains actively engaged with Summit County Rescue Group. Janie is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed, and holds an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Through her company, Dog Merickel, and The Society for Dogs, Janie fosters growth for detection dog handlers by enhancing their decision-making, critical thinking, and field skills.

Janie and Charger are certified in:

Cadaver 1, Cadaver 2, Shore

SARDUS HRD Type III / IV