In addition to being non-invasive and highly efficient, mold dog assessments are the most thorough and accurate way to inspect for mold. Our dog is able to check behind every wall, under flooring, HVAC system, sink, bathtub surround, piece of furniture, etc. in a highly accurate and efficient manner. You won’t have to wait for the limited results produced solely with lab testing.

Air and swab samples are best employed when more detailed information is desired regarding the growth occurring in your property. In some scenarios, understanding the type and volume of mold can help with developing your remediation plan. In other situations, since different mold strands have different health implications, sample testing can confirm if the fungal growth detected in your home is the root cause of any health related issues. There can also be insurance benefits to having lab test results.

We will start with a handler and client walkthrough of the property to ensure it is clear for our mold dog to work safely and effectively. We will also ensure we answer any questions before we begin working. Then, the mold dog will be brought into the property to be led through the assessment of the full property. The handler will mark (using non-marking tape) and note (via pictures) any areas the dog indicated the presence of mold. Once the full mold dog inspection is completed, the dog will be removed from the property and we will review any findings. Any requested air and swab samples will be taken at this time.

Although conducting a mold dog inspection may seem more expensive up front, it will save you a lot of money, time, and worry. Their unbiased, non-invasive, precise, and immediate results eliminate the need to conduct exploratory demolition looking for mold. Unlike lab tests that require sampling exactly the right spot, mold dogs inspect your entire home (and even cars!) in a single visit. Mold dogs eliminate the need for multiple rounds of demolition, remediation, and rebuilding by painting the full picture of your issue.

From start to finish, expect the process to take 1-3 hours. This is dependent on the size of your property, if mold is detected, and if you requested air/swab samples to be collected.

Ghost is trained to stop and indicate in the direction of a finding. Much like a drug sniffing dog stopping next to a suspicious suitcase at the airport, it will be clear to see when he has detected mold.

Our mold dog can detect many types of mold by smelling the gases (microbial volatile organic compounds or MVOCs) that active mold releases as it grows. This means our dog can detect: Black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Chaetomium, Fusarium, and many others. While it can’t tell which specific type, it can detect mold behind walls, under flooring, and in other out of view areas that mold often lives.

In order to pass certification, our mold dog must be at least 90% accurate for detecting mold growth and avoiding false-positives. Dogs aren’t infallible and they can make mistakes, but it’s why we constantly train to make sure we are at the top of our game.

We are based in Huntsville, AL and will travel where needed. We will discuss travel costs (if applicable) during your free phone consultation.

You may only pet the dog when he is not working which will be after the mold inspection is complete. We want him to be highly focused and attentive from the time he is in “work mode” (in his harness) to the time his work is complete.

As long as you are staying clear of our walking path and not interrupting the inspection, you are welcome to follow along while we work through your property. We ask that kids and other pets are kept out of the way while we are working.

We recommend leaving the home while we search.  While our mold dog is well groomed and cared for, he has normal dog characteristics.

Our dog and handlers conduct refresher training and are re-certified annually at minimum. We also conduct quarterly, less formal training throughout the year to keep his skills sharp.

Key preparation for a mold dog inspection includes ensuring we have clear access to all walls and spaces, pets are contained (ideally outside of the property), and heavy air fresheners/scent producing plug-ins are turned off. See our client agreement for details to ensure we get you the best possible results!