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Detector Dogs

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The National Detector Dog Training Center trains specially selected dogs and their

handlers to safeguard America’s agricultural and natural resources from harmful

pests. These dog teams carry out a range of activities, from inspecting passenger

baggage, cargo, and parcels at ports of entry to detecting certain invasive species in

the environment. Together, they help protect our Nation's food crops, forests, farms,

and environment.
APHIS’ Plant Protection and Quarantine program runs the Center, which started in

1984 with just one dog and one trainer. Today, the 17-acre compound includes 8

buildings and 100 kennels. The Center is located in Newnan, GA.

Training Agriculture’s Best Friend

How Do We Select Our Dogs?

Criteria

Age: 1-3 years old

Healthy

Friendly

Highly food-driven

Recruitment Locations

Animal shelters

Rescue groups

Private owners

In our screening process, a veterinarian gives each dog a physical exam, and we test

them in a real inspection environment to expose them to the sights, sounds, smells,

surfaces, and equipment. If the dogs pass our screening process, they begin

training.

On average, 75 percent of the dogs we train finish the program successfully. If a dog

does not complete the training program, we make sure he or she is adopted to a

good home.

What Breeds Do We Use?

The Center trains different breeds for different needs in the field.

Beagles detect fruits, vegetables, and meats in baggage, mailed packages, and

vehicles entering the United States.

Jack Russell terriers stop brown treesnakes—which have caused the extinction

of several bird species in Guam—from reaching Hawaii, the Mariana Islands,
and Saipan.

Labrador retrievers detect nutria, an invasive rodent that destroys wetlands on

Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

How Do We Train Our Dogs?

Our training programs last up to 13 weeks and offer a chance for a detector dog and

handler to bond and gain mutual confidence and trust.

Through daily training, dogs and their handlers develop a close relationship—to the

point that the handler is aware of even slight changes in the dog’s behavior.

Enrichment opportunities, such as play time, further ensure the detector dog’s wellbeing.

Where Detector Dogs Work

After graduating from the Center, our highly trained dogs and their handlers go to

work for APHIS and partner agencies at airport terminals and warehouses, seaports,

mail facilities, and in the field. Partners include:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

State departments of agriculture

County agricultural commissioner’s offices

Foreign agriculture ministries

If you would like to request a detector dog, email us at

usdacanineadoptions@usda.gov.

Want To Adopt a Dog? 

The Center offers dogs for adoption. These dogs either retired from service around 9

years old or did not meet our rigorous training requirements but would make

wonderful pets. All adopted dogs are spayed or neutered and have current

vaccinations. Reach out today to start the adoption process.

Email Us

Want To Donate a Dog? 

The Center accepts dogs from animal shelters, rescue groups, and private donations.

Many of the dogs we bring into the program for training would have otherwise been

euthanized. Contact us today to give a dog a second chance.

Email Us
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