Contact: Lorie Dankers

TSA Public Affairs

(206) 743-1497
lorie.dankers@tsa.dhs.gov

FACT SHEET Passenger Screening Canines

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has more than 400 Passenger Screening Canines (PSCs)
who are trained to detect the scent of explosives or explosive materials. These highly-skilled dogs who are
paired with TSA handlers utilize their keen sense of smell when working in and around travelers and their
belongings in a busy transportation environment.

PSCs teams are most often seen at an airport working in the security checkpoint, assisting with the efficiency
and effectiveness of TSA’s screening operations. They are also trained to work in mass transit, commuter
rail, maritime passenger ferry environments and in other busy venues.

Additional info

 Travelers at any time can expect to see PSCs and their handlers working in the security checkpoint. They
are one of the multiple layers of security that TSA employs to secure the transportation system.

 The PSC teams capably navigate among large groups of people to pinpoint the source of an explosive
odor, even if the source is mobile and often without the source being aware it is being tracked. A PSC
handler is trained to read its canine’s change of behavior when it indicates an explosive scent has been
detected.

 PSCs are able to conduct a real-time threat assessment of travelers going through the security checkpoint.
If a dog alerts its handler to the presence of explosive odor, TSA follows an established procedure to
resolve the alarm.

 Because explosives are known to be the greatest threat to the aviation system, these highly-trained
canines are an effective tool to deter and detect explosives or explosive materials. PSCs are regularly
tested to ensure they maintain a high standard of operational effectiveness.

 TSA primarily utilizes floppy-eared sporting breeds as PSCs because of their friendly demeanor, socially
acceptable presence in public, excellent scent capabilities and high-energy work drive. The most common
breeds travelers will see are Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers and Vizslas.

 TSA’s explosive detection canines are typically obtained from breeders through an interagency agreement
with the Department of Defense. Individual dogs selected for the program must undergo exacting pre-
acceptance screenings ensuring health and wellness, temperament and possess other critical characteristics
essential to explosive detection work.

 While PSCs are sociable, they are working dogs and they should not be petted or fed by anyone except
their handlers.

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The Transportation Security Administration was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and
ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation
law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security.
 
For more information about TSA, please visit our website at tsa.gov.

June 2019