A police dog has a long road to recovery after falling into geothermal water during a search in Rotorua.

Search and rescue dog Teo and her handler, Constable Adam Johannsen, were supporting the search for missing Tokoroa teacher Jayleb-Che Dean in the thermally active Waiotapu area last week when soft ground gave way under Teo, and she fell into scalding water, a police statement said.

Johannsen immediately pulled her out, and she was taken to the Massey University Veterinary Hospital in Palmerston North.

Teo underwent surgery to burns, mainly on her hindquarters, on Monday and the prognosis was good, police said.

Due to the nature of the terrain, Teo had been wearing protective booties, preventing severe burns to the pads of her feet.

Johannsen, who suffered minor burns in pulling Teo out, has stayed by her side at the hospital.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Inspector Todd Southall, the national co-ordinator of police dogs, visited Teo, Johannsen and the Massey team on Monday.

“She’s making a good recovery, but it will be a long road,” Southall said.

“While we are hopeful for her recovery, our thoughts are with the family of the missing man as the search continues.”

Police thanked the team at Massey, who “are giving Teo the best care possible”.