Clickable link to canine scent detection certifying agency: 

Accrediation Role

Unbiased Confirmation

Third-party accreditation provides the public with unbiased confirmation the team is capable of recognizing live target odour at various levels of concentration.

 The testing also certifies the dog handler 'reads' his dog appropriately, recognizing her 'alert' to indicate the prescence of live bed bugs or viable eggs and not the scent emitting from dead bed bugs.

We certify under the World Detector Dog Organization (WDDO), an independent, third-party, K9 scent detection testing organization. WDDO Sets the Standard with unbiased, scientific testing methods, e.g. double-blind testing, and follow the National Pest Management Association’s (NPMA) Best Management Practices.

Ken Hando, owner of Bed Bug Mutts, states: 

"It is all about the relationship between the dog and the handler, we are a team depending upon each other. She is an athlete - she even has her own treadmill to keep her in top physical shape."

Once certification is achieved, the team must ensure this performance level is maintained. Daily maintenance training on live bed bugs, distractions and 'proofing off' dead bed bugs will maintain peak-level performance. 

Before Hiring A Bed Bug Dog

Check on their certification; professional certifiying agencies post the names of the handlers, canine and website link. Ensure their certification is current; annual renewals is considered appropriate.

Ensure they follow the 'show me the bed bug' protocol - the handler verifies the alert by looking for the following physical signs - fecal stains, cast skins, bed bug eggs, and/or live bed bugs.