What We Do
We train dogs to sniff out the data you need—or train you to work with your own dog. From locating carcasses on wind farms to detecting invasive mussels on boats to finding jaguar scat in the Guatemalan jungle, our teams are up for the challenge.
While our expertise extends globally, we specialize in projects across the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Latin America.
Our services are designed to be flexible and creative, meeting the needs and budgets of diverse projects. Our dog training is rooted in the Humane Hierarchy framework, and whenever possible, our dogs complete double-blind odor recognition trials with relevant distractors before deployment.
Our canines have a union contract that ensures they are supported as the valued workers that they are.
Learn more about how conservation detection dogs work on our blog and podcast.
Why We Do It
Our detection dogs bring enthusiasm, focus, and accuracy to some of the most challenging ecological questions. Their ability to locate hard-to-find data fuels both science and conservation impact.
Dogs with intense toy drive, boundless energy, and sharp focus often make ideal partners in conservation work. Ironically, those same traits can make them difficult pets, which is why many of our dogs come from rescues or shelters. Giving these high-energy dogs a fulfilling job not only changes their lives, it strengthens our conservation efforts.
Our founder dog, Barley, was a rescue, and he’s the reason we’re passionate about giving these dogs the best life possible while delivering top-notch ecological detection services to our partners and clients. Each new addition to our pack is a serious, long-term commitment—because these dogs aren’t just coworkers. They’re partners in conservation.
Sniffing Out Solutions
At K9 Conservationists, our dogs are more than just partners — they’re skilled professionals who thrive in the field. They search for multiple targets at once, adapt to challenging environments, and collect data with precision, all while keeping wildlife and people safe. Their work is non-invasive, mobile, and highly reliable, thanks to rigorous preparation.
But it’s not just the dogs who set us apart. Our woman-led, energetic team of field biologists brings dedication, creativity, and a passion for science to every project. Together, we ensure both exceptional working animal welfare and top-quality ecological data collection.
Beyond the field, our ambassador dogs help us share this important work with the public. Donors, schools, and community groups love meeting them — and their passion is infectious.
