Program overview

Established in 1993

Arson destroys billions of dollars in property damage each year and is responsible for hundreds of lives lost. This program matches and trains handlers with accelerant detection canines to counter arson fraud, raise awareness and help reduce future occurrences.

How it started

The State Farm® Arson Dog Program was established in 1993 with the Maine State Police under the guidelines of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The Academy is renowned for its training of canines and its national reputation in law enforcement investigation.

All dogs and handlers are trained and certified according to Maine State Criminal Justice Academy standards. Through education and knowledge, we can work together to make a difference and diminish the cost of this crime.

Arson dog waiting its turn.
Arson dog sniffing out accelerants.

How it's going

Over the years, this program has put more than 425 dogs and their handlers to work in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces.

Accelerant detection training.
An arson K9 with their handler

The part of a dog's brain that is devoted to analyzing smells is

40 times greater than humans.

"It’s all about the bond.
It’s all about the relationship."