How accurate are mold canines?

Mold canines are extremely sensitive - they detect MVOCs to a level humans cannot perceive. For example, our mold canines will flag contamination in possessions like clothing if present, even after it has been sent through specialty dry cleaning solvents multiple times. They will detect issues through walls and floors, behind appliances, or inside sealed containers. Studies suggest that they are above 90% accurate, outpacing most human inspectors and many technological tests.

What can a mold canine inspect?

Our dogs are trained to do:

- Pre-purchase inspections (is it safe to live in?)

- Remediation clearance testing (did we get it all?)

- Problem detection inspections (what is making me sick?)

- Facility inspections - doctors office, hospitals, schools, clinics

- Maintenance testing (checking biannually whether a space continues to be clear) 

- Hotel and airbnb certification for the environmentally sensitive travelers

- Post-particle cleaning possession clearance/contamination checks (was the cleaning effective)

- Boat, car, and RV inspections 

How long does an inspection take?

It takes about twenty minutes per 600 feet. Mold dogs need rest breaks in between each floor of a home, so they will work ten minutes on, ten minutes off. Typically, our inspectors will wear full PPE, enter a home, tag hotspots, then step back outside to discuss with the homeowner while the dog rests.

How are your canines trained?

They are trained on all 18 genuses of toxic molds, using scent discrimination methods at an academy that also trains arson, bomb, and narcotic working canines.

How much do inspections cost?

They are less expensive than comprehensive ERMI/Pathways/substrate sample tests, ranging from around $1900-$7000 depending on square footage, and site risk to the canine/inspector. Most 2-3 bedroom homes can be inspected for about $2700.

Are the inspections legally valid?

In most geographies, they are admissible in civil and criminal court, and for insurance filings. Our inspectors can give you a written report on request, if notified in advance of the inspection.

Should I also do other types of inspection?

Think of a mold dog like an initial x-ray: it will see through walls to tell you if you have a toxic mold problem in your space, and exactly where it is. That is usually good enough to know whether you need to move out, or file an insurance claim.

But, after that, you may want to consider working with a remediation firm (that removes the mold under containment), environmental medicine specialists (who can heal you), an IEP/visual inspector (who can screen for additional types of toxins, like endotoxins, and flag and advise on repairing construction defects), and / or a building biologist (who can screen for other harmful issues like radiation or chemical exposures). You may need to pull in a tenant lawyer, or a toxic tort specialist. We can refer you to North America’s best for all of those.

Can the canines detect inactive molds?

Yes. They do detect inactive mold, which is not dead mold. Think of it like hibernation; it's waiting for the right conditions (temperature, moisture, food, air) so it can become active again. For example, some molds only grow during a single hour a day when humidity gets high enough - like when someone takes a shower in a bathroom.

This type of mold is more prone to become airborne where it can be inhaled or find a new location in which to colonize. Inspectors often declare an area mold-free because the thermal camera or moisture meter didn't show moisture. But if it doesn't show moisture, there could be dormant mold from previous water intrusion that has since dried out. Both inactive and live molds need to be removed for health reasons.

Is mold unhealthy for the canines?

We very carefully limit our canines’ exposure to toxic molds; they are each only allowed to do high risk inspections for one day a week. They are also on special diets and preventative medications and supplements like binders, glutathione, and pre/probiotics to prevent health issues. Most mold dogs live normal, healthy lifespans, but their work is not totally without risk.