Dozens of dogs show up at Vancouver International Airport for daily work – here's what they do

VANCOUVER-Nova, the seven-year-old black lab, is trained to sniff out oil and ammunition . She spends her days checking baggage for undeclared or recently fired firearms at Vancouver International Airport.

The canine, who works hard, is one of dozens of dogs at the airport every day. Some work behind the scenes to ensure that planes can take off and land safely, while others serve as therapy dogs for anxious travelers. Many, like Nova, are employed by security companies or government agencies to detect everything from agricultural products to narcotics in people's luggage.

Nova, an experienced detector dog from the Canada Border Services Agency, can detect narcotics such as marijuana and opioids, by more firearms. Her manager, Danielle Getzie, confirmed that she and Nova will still have a job in October when the federal government will legalize recreational marijuana.

"When you cross a border, marijuana will still not be allowed," Getzie said. "It's like any other narcotic we're trained to detect."

Narcotics and guns are not the only thing dogs can spot at the airport

. The nine-year-old beagle helps the border agency prevent invasive species or disease-carrying species from entering the country.

Some of the youngest dogs at the airport are badigned tasks that allow them to patrol larger areas.

Diesel, a three-year-old German Shepard who works for Securiguard, patrols the terminals for explosives. When she feels an explosive, she sits down to tell her teacher, Caroline Lee, that something is wrong. Diesel is rewarded with his favorite toy, a balloon.

But the one year old driver has the luxury of spending his energy in a more direct way: by chasing the birds. The mudi – a type of Hungarian herding dog – is one of the two canines of the airport's wildlife management program. Their job is to clear the tracks and the surrounding area of ​​the birds. The staff also uses raptors to keep the tracks free of birds.

Last year, the airport processed 1.5 million birds that would otherwise have delayed aircraft landings or even caused collisions. The goal is to make sure the birds do not guess, said David Bradbeer, wildlife program coordinator. Other methods include pyrotechnics, sirens and bads that produce a sound similar to that of a staccato when they are cracked.

Nova, Risky, Diesel and Pilot may look cute, but they need to focus on their work. According to the airport authorities, travelers should turn to the handlers before approaching the dogs.

But have no fear, several St. John Ambulance therapy dogs have been badigned to the airport especially for those who want to spend time with a furry friend. These dogs are trained to interact with the public and are part of the least stress initiative of the airport airport.

Vancouver YVR International Airport has counted more than a dozen mutts during a public event held Monday to raise awareness of the jobs they do [19659006] Wanyee Li is a journalist in Vancouver. Technology. Follow her on Twitter: @wanyeelii