About the dogs

Arson dogs stand out from the pack

Accelerant detection canines, aka arson dogs, are trained to sniff out small traces of accelerants potentially used to start a fire. Each dog trains, lives and works with a fire investigator as its handler.

The dogs

Labrador Retrievers are uniquely qualified for the role of arson dog. This breed has an unmatched ability to discriminate scents at a fire scene. On top of that, they also carry a gentle disposition, joy for the work and an outgoing personality.

The teams

All the dogs are trained and reinforced using a food-reward method. After their initial certification, arson dogs and their handlers must be recertified every year. These dogs and handlers are together 24/7, making them partners and family.

The assignment

Arson dogs and their handlers stay busy investigating causes of fires, hosting community outreach programs and teaching classes on fire prevention and safety. Teams are in high demand, maintain a good routine and keep their energy up to help others.

Accelerant detection K9s and their handlers.
Accelerant detection K9s and their handlers.
Accelerant detection K9s and their handlers.

Meet the active team

Select a state or province to meet the graduates.

Dog name Handler

City, State

Organization

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How we find the dogs

The majority of canines in the State Farm Arson Dog Program come to us from animal shelters, rescue organizations or certified companion programs. Many of the dogs were raised to be a guide dog or offer disability assistance, but didn’t complete their training because the dog was too energetic. These dogs are given a second chance to serve by training as an accelerant detection canine.

Arson dogs posing with their handlers
Arson dogs posing with their handlers

Check out the
stories about our dogs

Justin Davis and K-9 Kai

Dogs obtained through rescue organizations or shelters are saved from potential euthanasia. One such dog in the State Farm Arson Dog Program was K-9 Kai with the San Antonio Fire Department in San Antonio, TX. Get to know Kai’s story on the Humane Society’s website.

Lieutenant John Tadlock and K-9 Sheldon

A change in career can spark new life in a person. The same rings true for K-9 Sheldon who flunked out as a service dog, but found his place as an arson dog in Saginaw, TX. Check out K-9 Sheldon’s turnaround story on People Magazine online.

K-9 Daisy walks down the aisle

Read a great story about how an arson dog in Westchester County, NY was reunited with her puppy raisers to be the ring bearer in their wedding. Get the full story on People Magazine online.

Accelerant detection K9s and their handlers.
Accelerant detection K9s and their handlers.
Accelerant detection K9s and their handlers.

We might notice if our coffee has had a teaspoon of sugar added to it but a dog could detect a teaspoon of sugar in a million gallons of water—

roughly to two Olympic-sized pools.

"Some of these are rescued dogs that had been discarded. We give these dogs a chance —

to serve the community."