As it turns out, getting a service dog gig for TSA might be almost as difficult as actually getting through an airport security check. Some dogs just don’t have the right temperament for the job — they’re just too nice. Well, TSA’s loss is our gain because dogs who don’t quite make it through security training are given up for adoption.
Dog breeds mostly include German Shorthaired Pointers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, and Belgian Malinois, and they’re usually not too broken up about the change in their career path. Dogs who “fail” often do so because they’re easily distracted, have physical disabilities, lack the drive, are nervous, or are too shy. Two more organizations, Service Dogs Inc. and Freedom Service Dogs of America also work for these doggy dropouts to be adopted. As for older service dogs who have been in the business for a while, Mission K9 works to make sure they can truly enjoy retirement by connecting them with loving families.