Homes sought for dogs fired by TSA
There are dozens of animal shelters in San Antonio, but the one at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland is different. All the dogs there were rejected from government service.
The Transportation Security Administration routinely trains dogs to support security personnel and detect possible explosives, but not all canines make it through the training. That’s why the agency launched its Canine Adoption Program — so the ones that weren’t cut out for the work can find their forever homes.
The program is based in San Antonio, where the dogs that were eliminated from the training program await their future owners. They were discharged for a variety of reasons, but mostly because of medical problems.
“These dogs are highly active and in most cases, untrained and not housebroken, but with proper training and care, they can be a great addition to families,” TSA says on its website.
Toby, a 10-year-old Labrador retriever, has situational anxiety, causing him to suck in more air than normal and become bloated. Tommy, a 3-yearold English springer spaniel, was dismissed because he developed an upper airway obstruction. Jack, a 2-year-old German shepherd, never even made it to training because of suspected kidney disease.
Some are just not suited for the stress of life as a bomb-sniffing K-9. Lydka, a 3-year-old German shepherd, gets easily distracted by noise and people, and doesn’t do too well under pressure. She was fired for her performance on the job and is looking to settle down in a less stressful environment.
Most of the dogs are 2 to 4 years old, but there are occasionally older retirees on the roster. They are all vaccinated and spayed or neutered prior to adoption.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference given to law enforcement and nonprofit service agencies. To be considered, you must have a fenced-in yard, no plans to move within six months of the adoption, and agree to provide the dog with appropriate medical care, exercise, training and companionship. All existing pets in the home must be up to date on vaccinations and preventive care.
Those interested can email the adoption coordinator at adoptatsacanine@tsa.dhs.gov. Approved applicants must travel to the Air Force base on the Southwest Side to meet the animal, and multiple visits may be required to ensure it’s a proper match. The new pet owners must come to the training center on the day of the adoption with a leash, collar and an appropriate-size shipping crate.
The facility will provide the dog’s medical records, one month’s supply of flea and heartworm preventive treatments, and three days of dog food.
The dogs cannot be returned once they are adopted.
Most of the dogs at the facility have not been exposed to small children or animals other than dogs.
The shelter gets new dogs regularly, including sporting breeds such as Labrador retrievers and German short-haired pointers. German shepherds and Belgian Malinois are also regulars at the shelter but are commonly transferred to local law enforcement agencies.
The TSA reports the average wait for a sporting breed dog to be three months to a year.