You Can Adopt Dogs Who Flunked TSA Training for Being 'Too Nice'

Some canines may not be fit for sniffing out trouble, but that doesn't mean they're not equipped to be the perfect pet.

The Transport Security Administration (TSA) Canine Training Center is inviting families to adopt dogs that didn't quite make the cut for government work.

"Dogs available for adoption are ones that do not meet the TSA Canine Training Center criteria for government work," the department says on its official site. "These dogs are highly active and in most cases, untrained and not house-broken, but with proper training and care, they can be a great addition to families."

The new adoption program is designed to help dogs deemed "too nice" or "too rambunctious" find the perfect home. Those canines employed by the TSA play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of transport systems across the U.S.

Particularly common in airports, the highly trained K9s have a primary function in detecting explosives and explosive materials. They undergo rigorous training to recognize various scents in luggage, cargo and public areas. Fully trained TSA dogs also assist with security screening and crowd management in high-traffic places.

As a vital part of operations, the TSA trains around 300 canines each year and, as of 2023, there are more than 1,000 TSA canine teams deployed nationwide.

Brimming with energy and affection, the dogs are looking to trade in government work for family fun.

Adoption is free, and prospective adopters are encouraged to consider the unique personalities of these dogs, each with its own story and charm. While the animals may not have made the cut for official duty, their capacity for love and loyalty is unmatched. Newsweek reached out to the Transport Security Administration via email for comment.

The application process is designed to ensure a perfect match between the dogs and their future families. After the initial application, potential adopters will be provided with photos and profiles of the available dogs, giving them a glimpse into the personality of their potential new pet.

Interested adopters should be cautious, though, as the TSA said that demand for the service dogs is often high. A spokesperson told Newsweek: "Indeed, people may contact TSA adoption program and register to adopt a TSA canine. However, the number of dogs available is extremely low.

"Often, our adoption program has no dogs available for adoption for months, and even years, at a time. It would create a false expectation to tell the general public that they may adopt TSA explosive-detection canines at any time, as some people have been waiting years to do so," the spokesperson added.

Finalizing the adoption is a heartwarming process that includes a visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. There, new owners can expect to receive a wealth of information about their new pet, including medical records, preventive supplies, and even a month's supply of dog food.

UPDATE 11/21/2023 11:35 a.m.: This article was updated with additional information from TSA.