Frequently Asked Questions
Are you licensed?
We are licensed professionals to protect you and your home. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires all mold assessments in Texas be performed by licensed and insured Mold Assessment Technicians, trained to understand the intricacies of buildings with potential mold problems and to have a working knowledge of how to proceed throughout the entire process.
How do I know if my house has mold?
Mold spores are everywhere around us and are a natural part of our environment. As stated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), “There are no national or state standards for a ‘safe’ level of mold. There is always mold present at some level in the air and on surfaces all around us.” At K9 Mold Detection, we are trained to detect high levels of mold that can be a health hazard, and determine what strains are present, and get clear results with lab tests. Often mold is hidden. We use many tools to find it, and send samples to a lab for testing, to determine the type and concentration. Our dogs are able to find mold that may have gone undetected.
How do the dogs smell mold?
A dog’s sense of smell is well above a human’s. Larger dog breeds have the added benefit of larger olfactory lobes in their brain (the part of the brain dedicated to smells). In our nose, humans have about 6 million olfactory receptors; scientists estimate that dogs have up to 300 million, depending on the size of the dog. Thus, dogs can smell about 50 times better than humans. Working dogs have been helping humans for hundreds of years. As early as the 16th century, shepherds used herding dogs for their flocks. Some working dogs have been trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels, cancer cells, or the chemical changes that precede a seizure.
What states do you work in?
We at K9 Mold Detection work all over the state of Texas, and can travel to other states on a case-by-case basis.
Where are your dogs from?
We chose our dogs very carefully. They are imported from a respected line of detection dogs selected for their exceptional work ethic, motivation, and intensity to work. They have received years of training since birth. The dogs and handler trained extensively at IronHeart Training, where they received mold detection certification. They may look like family pets, but they are very serious about their work!
