a system for communicating information between a handler at a first location and an animal at a second location includes a local communication unit operated by the handler , and a remote communication unit mounted to the animal . the handler initiates messages , which can be visual or auditory , or in other forms , and transmits signals corresponding to these messages to the animal , or a person , such as a rescuee , in the vicinity of the animal . in this manner the handler gains communication access to locations the animal has reached , which locations may otherwise be inaccessible to the handler . the remote unit may also be configured to provide information back to the handler , such location information and visual and / or sound information of the environment to which the wearing animal has transported the remote unit . such information is useful for facilitating a rescue effort , identifying dangerous conditions , and so forth .