How accurate are mold detection dogs?

P.O.S.T. certified mold detection dogs trained by Russ Bishop achieve exceptional accuracy rates using Supreme Court-endorsed law enforcement standards. These K9s can detect mold in areas traditional testing methods cannot reach, including behind walls, under floors, and in hidden cavities. The P.O.S.T. Commission training standards are the same used by law enforcement and are backed by U.S. Supreme Court endorsement.

What areas do you serve?

Based in Walla Walla, Washington, Canine Scent Inspections serves residential and commercial properties throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. We provide mold detection services in Seattle, Spokane, Portland, Boise, and all surrounding areas. Travel services available throughout the region.

What makes your training different from other mold detection dogs?

Our dogs are trained by Russ Bishop, a P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified trainer and instructor in K9 scent detection and patrol disciplines. These are the same standards used by law enforcement agencies nationwide, endorsed by the U.S. Supreme Court. This law enforcement-grade training ensures superior accuracy and reliability compared to dogs trained using less rigorous methods.

How much does a mold detection dog inspection cost?

Professional mold detection services start at $650. The exact cost depends on the size of the property, location, and specific inspection needs. We provide detailed quotes and transparent pricing. Given the accuracy of canine detection, this investment often saves money by pinpointing mold sources quickly, reducing unnecessary demolition and remediation costs.

Why use a mold detection dog instead of traditional testing?

Mold detection dogs succeed where traditional testing falls short. While air quality tests measure overall mold burden and infrared cameras detect moisture, our P.O.S.T. certified K9s can pinpoint the exact location of hidden mold sources. This is especially valuable when mold has dried out between water events, when traditional tools show negative results but you're still experiencing symptoms, or when you need to avoid unnecessary demolition. Dogs provide evidence-based investigation rather than random searching.

What is P.O.S.T. certification and why does it matter?

P.O.S.T. stands for Peace Officer Standards and Training. This certification represents law enforcement-grade K9 training standards established by the P.O.S.T. Commission and endorsed by the U.S. Supreme Court. When our dogs are P.O.S.T. certified and trained by Russ Bishop using these standards, it ensures they meet the same rigorous requirements as police detection dogs. This translates to superior accuracy, reliability, and professional-grade mold detection for your home or business.

Can mold detection dogs find mold behind walls?

Yes, this is one of the primary advantages of using certified mold detection dogs. Our P.O.S.T. certified K9s can detect mold behind walls, under floors, in crawl spaces, and other hard-to-reach areas where traditional testing equipment cannot access. The dogs' sense of smell allows them to detect mold spores through barriers, eliminating the need for destructive exploratory demolition before you know where the problem actually exists.

How long does a mold detection dog inspection take?

Most residential inspections take 1-3 hours depending on the size of the property and complexity of the investigation. Commercial inspections may take longer based on square footage. Our dogs work efficiently and systematically, and you'll receive same-day results. This allows you to take immediate action if mold is detected.

Do you offer post-remediation verification?

Yes, post-remediation verification is one of our key services. After mold remediation work is completed, our P.O.S.T. certified detection dogs can verify that all mold sources have been successfully removed. This provides peace of mind and confirms that the remediation was thorough and effective. Many clients use our verification service before final payment to remediation companies.

Mold Detection FAQs | Your Questions Answered — Canine Scent Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

General Mold Detection Questions

Our certified K9 mold inspectors detect mold with 95%+ accuracy, significantly higher than traditional moisture meters or visual inspections. Dogs can identify mold behind walls, under flooring, and in HVAC systems—areas that conventional methods often miss. Their noses contain over 300 million scent receptors (compared to humans' 6 million), allowing them to detect mold at concentrations as low as 1-2 parts per billion.
Residential inspections start at $650 for properties under 1,500 sq ft. Commercial pricing varies based on square footage and property complexity. See our detailed pricing above or contact us for a custom quote. Monthly and annual monitoring plans receive 10-30% discounts.
Most residential inspections take 45-90 minutes depending on square footage. Commercial properties typically require longer. Our dogs can inspect much faster than traditional methods that involve drilling holes and laboratory analysis.
If our K9 detects mold, we'll provide you with a detailed report pinpointing the exact locations. We can recommend certified remediation companies in Walla Walla or surrounding areas, or you can choose your own. We also offer post-remediation clearance testing to verify the mold has been completely removed.
No. Our inspections are completely non-invasive. There's no demolition, drilling, or chemical use. You're welcome to stay and even accompany our handler and K9 team. Many clients find it fascinating to watch the dogs work.
Yes, for several reasons:
- Higher accuracy: 95%+ vs. 70-80% for traditional methods
- Non-invasive: No drilling or demolition required
- Faster: Complete inspections in a fraction of the time
- Finds hidden mold: Detects mold behind walls and in concealed spaces
- No false positives: Dogs aren't triggered by moisture alone—only active mold
No. Mold detection (what our dogs do) identifies the presence and location of mold. Mold testing (air sampling, surface sampling, or mycotoxin testing) identifies the specific types and concentration levels. We offer both services—basic K9 detection and advanced laboratory testing through US BioTek partnerships.
Our K9s are trained to detect all types of toxic and allergenic molds, including black mold (Stachybotrys), Aspergillus, Penicillium, Chaetomium, and Fusarium. They detect the microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) that all active mold colonies produce.
Yes! While we're based in Walla Walla, Washington, we provide nationwide service. Travel fees may apply for locations outside our primary service area. Contact us to discuss your location.
We typically offer appointments within 2-3 business days. For urgent situations (recent water damage, severe symptoms, or real estate transactions), we can often accommodate same-day or next-day service.

Residential Inspections

Absolutely. Mold issues can cost tens of thousands of dollars in remediation. An inspection before closing can save you from buying a home with hidden mold damage. Many buyers include mold inspections in their home inspection contingency.
Possibly. Musty odors are often the first sign of mold. Our K9 can confirm whether the smell is from active mold or just humidity and identify exactly where the mold is hiding.
For most homes, an annual inspection is sufficient. However, you should schedule immediate inspections if you experience water damage, persistent musty odors, visible water stains, unexplained health symptoms, or high humidity levels (>60%).
While you can look for visible mold, 90% of mold problems are hidden inside walls, under flooring, or in crawl spaces. DIY moisture meters can indicate potential problem areas but cannot confirm mold presence. Our K9 inspections find hidden mold you can't see or reach.
Sometimes. If the mold resulted from a covered peril (like sudden water damage), your insurance may cover inspection and remediation. Mold from long-term neglect or humidity is typically not covered. We provide detailed reports you can submit to your insurance company.
Our residential inspection includes complete K9 scent detection of all accessible areas, visual inspection by certified handler, written report with documentation and mold locations, and remediation recommendations (if needed).

Commercial Inspections

Mold in commercial spaces can cause employee health issues (liability risk), damage inventory and equipment, lead to tenant complaints and lease violations, require costly emergency shutdowns, and create OSHA violations and legal exposure. Regular inspections protect your employees, assets, and bottom line.
We work around your schedule—evenings, weekends, or off-hours. Our K9 inspections are quiet, fast, and non-invasive. Most commercial inspections are completed in 2-4 hours with minimal disruption to operations.
Office buildings, warehouses, retail stores, restaurants, hotels, medical facilities, schools and daycare centers, apartment complexes, and storage facilities.
Yes. We provide comprehensive written reports and recommendations. These reports meet requirements for insurance claims, lease agreements, and regulatory compliance.

Pre & Post-Remediation Testing

Pre-remediation inspections identify all mold locations (not just visible ones), prevent contractors from missing hidden mold, establish baseline conditions for insurance claims, help remediation companies quote accurately, and protect you from overpaying for unnecessary work.
Pre-remediation finds and maps all mold before work begins. Post-remediation clearance verifies the mold was completely removed and the property is safe to occupy again. You need both for complete protection.
Wait 24-48 hours after remediation is complete. This allows time for antimicrobial treatments to dry, air quality to stabilize, final cleaning to be completed, and HVAC systems to circulate cleaned air.
If our K9 detects remaining mold, we document the locations and notify you immediately. The remediation company should address these areas at no additional cost (if covered under their warranty). This is why post-remediation clearance testing is so important—it holds contractors accountable.
For most projects, K9 detection is sufficient to confirm whether mold is present. However, we recommend laboratory testing if you're experiencing health symptoms, need to identify specific mold species, insurance or regulations require documented testing, or you want to verify air quality after remediation.
Pre-remediation inspections use our standard pricing. Post-remediation clearance testing is 50% of the original price, if it's a standalone follow-up to previously identified areas, or 75% of the original price for a full property re-inspection.

Monitoring Plans

Monthly monitoring is ideal for property managers overseeing multiple units, vacation rentals with fluctuating occupancy, high-humidity properties, individuals with mold sensitivity or compromised immune systems, buildings with past mold issues, and commercial facilities with strict health standards.
Our monthly program includes K9 inspection of designated areas each month, written report after each visit, trend tracking to identify developing problems, priority scheduling for follow-up inspections, and a 30% discount off standard inspection rates.
Monthly monitoring provides ongoing surveillance for high-risk properties or situations. Annual inspections are preventive checkups for typical low-risk properties. Monthly monitoring offers earlier detection of developing issues, peace of mind for mold-sensitive individuals, better protection for high-value properties, and consistent documentation for property managers.
We notify you immediately and provide a detailed report. You can address the issue promptly before it becomes a major problem. Small issues caught early cost hundreds to fix vs. thousands if allowed to spread.
Yes. Our biannual plan includes two inspections per year (typically spring and fall), 20% discount off standard rates, priority scheduling, and trend reporting. Contact us to discuss which monitoring frequency is best for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Mold Detection Questions

Residential Inspections

Commercial Inspections

Pre & Post-Remediation Testing

Monitoring Plans

Still have questions? Contact us — we're here to help.

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