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This Is How You Can Adopt Puppies That Failed TSA Training

Ana Luisa Suarez
Ana Luisa Suarez
Writer, editor, passionate cat and dog collector. "Did I just spend $300 in Target without blinking?" – Phrase most likely to be quoted on my tombstone
published Sep 1, 2018
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The “Adopt Don’t Shop” movement is in full effect, as there are many good puppies and dogs in shelters and rescues that need loving homes. According to the ASPCA, over 1.6 million dogs enter the shelter system every year. If you’ve been looking to add a furry new friend to your family, there’s one other place you can look into for adopting your pet. The Transportation Security Administration – yes, the TSA!

The TSA trains dogs to assist in protection and detection in airports across the globe. However, not every dog that goes into TSA training actually makes it to graduation. That’s not to say they’re a bad dog, they just might not be cut out of the high-intensity lifestyle that comes with working for the TSA. So, where do those puppies that failed TSA training go? Hopefully, right into your home.

Southern Living created a very cute video highlighting what you need to know before trying to adopt a puppy that failed TSA training. The program is called the Canine Adoption Program and it is meant for people interested in adopting an almost-TSA puppy. Adopters should be warned, these dogs are highly active and in most cases are not housebroken (so, watch out for accidents), but with proper exercise and home training, they should make excellent pets.

In order to even be considered for the program, you need to meet these requirements:

  • You must have a fenced in yard at the time of applying.
  • There should be no intentions of moving within six months of adopting a dog.
  • Homes must abide by all local pet ordinances.
  • You must agree to provide the dog with appropriate medical care, exercise, training, and companionship.
  • All existing pets in the home must have current vaccinations and preventive care.
  • The age of children in the home will be taken into consideration when selecting a dog.

So, those who plan to move and/or have little ones in their home might want to reconsider adopting right now and wait until they’re a little more settled. In order to pick up your puppy, you’ll need to travel to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The TSA warns that you might need to make multiple trips before the adoption process is completed.

The average number of dogs that graduate from the TSA program each year is around 300, but at any given time, 140 puppies and dogs can be in the process of getting trained for the program. The TSA estimates that 83% of their trainees move onto graduation. The breeds that the TSA trains are: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, German Short-haired Pointers, Wirehaired Pointers, Vizslas, Belgian Malinois, and Golden Retrievers.

You can head over to the Canine Adoption Program website to learn more and see how you can apply to adopt a puppy.

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