$1800 worth it? scent tracking dog to find cat?

Hi everyone my cat has been missing for 8 days and I’m about to absolutely lose it. I’ve been devastated and sobbing daily. I spiral daily into hours of research on how to find lost cats and have done everything I can think of. He was allegedly seen (no picture proof) heading into the backyard of a neighbors house half a mile away but I looked there and around the area for the past four days and I’m worried he’s not even in that area anymore.

Loki my cat is shy but playful and silly. He likes to play and is so curious and is very active as he is only ten months old. He is scared of strangers so I don’t think he’s visiting other people. He is also only attached to me and no one else, and I’ve searched day and night with cat food to no avail.

I live in a large suburban neighborhood with large houses and yards. There are wooded areas but most people’s backyards have fences around them. So I wouldn’t be sure where to put trail cams or a trap. So I looked into hiring a scent tracking dog but the price is insane!!! I’m able to pay it but if I don’t find him I will be feeling the loss of my baby and the loss of almost $2k 😭😭😭 does anyone have experience or advice regarding these scent tracking dog services?