Is it safe and healthy for my dog to be a mold detection dog?

Question

I'm a home inspector interested in getting a mold sniffing dog... I've read conflicting reports (mostly from opposing interests) as to whether this is healthy for the dog or not. I would love information from an unbiased party in if this is save for the animals or not. Thanks in advance!

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. There was a paper published in Environmental International in 2002 on the validity of detection of microbial growth in buildings by trained dogs. It concluded that the use of trained dogs to detect mold or decay damage appears to have high specificity & high predictive value, but low sensitivity. As to the health of the dog, I would not expect this to be particularly worrisome because the dog generally will be with a handler ( you ) & a dog should be able to pick up the essence of any decay without actually inhaling spores. Now I understand that in some instances, you would probably be wearing a respirator, but a dog should be able to pick up on a scent so quickly that exposure should be minimal. And I believe that as long as the mold is not disturbed, spores should not become significantly airborn. I would equate this job to search & rescue dogs that go in after a disaster & breathe in all kinds of fumes, dust & particulate material ( think about the dog's that went in after 9/11 or dog's searching rubble after earthquakes ). If a dog will make you more effective at your job, then I think that is great. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Is it safe and healthy for my dog to be a mold detection dog?

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