Toxic Mold Is Making Americans Sick--Mold Dog Knows Is the First 3rd Party Certified K9 Team to Fight Back, Raising the Bar in a Dangerous, Unregulated Industry

First U.S. K9 Mold Detection Team Earns 3rd-Party National Certification, Bringing Oversight to a Dangerous, Unregulated Industry

GRAPEVINE, Texas, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Toxic mold exposure is one of the most overlooked yet dangerous drivers of chronic illness in America today—linked to fatigue, brain fog, respiratory problems, fertility struggles, neurological disease, and even death. Despite this growing threat, the K9 mold detection industry has operated without oversight—until now.

The American Working Dog Association (AWDA) has launched the first-ever third-party national certification for K9 mold detection teams, introducing science-based structure and accountability to a largely unregulated space. Mold Dog Knows, a Texas-based leader in canine mold detection, is the first team in the U.S. to earn this groundbreaking certification—bringing credibility and life-saving accuracy to an emerging industry.

"Mold affects nearly half of U.S. homes and contributes to up to 50% of chronic illness," said Steven Antommarchi, VP of K9 Operations at Mold Dog Knows. "This national certification isn't just a win for us—it's a breakthrough for families nationwide facing mysterious and often misdiagnosed illness. With risks rising post-pandemic, our certified K9 teams are stepping in with unmatched precision, real answers, and long-overdue relief."

Handler Stella Hammond and K9 Tala made history by passing AWDA's rigorous, performance-based evaluation, setting a new benchmark for accuracy, professionalism, and public health protection.

The need for reform is urgent. Modern building materials, poor ventilation, and increased indoor living have caused mold-related illnesses to surge. Yet until now, anyone with a dog could claim to be a mold detection professional—with no recognized standards, testing, or proof of accuracy.

AWDA Certification Highlights:

- Two-phase blind testing: odor recognition and building search

- Target odors include Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Penicillium

- No handler cueing; passive alerts required within 3 feet

- Zero false positives under real-world distractions and environments

- Recertification and continuing education required to maintain standing

These rigorous standards, aligned with SWGDOG SC 2 guidelines, are based on over 14 years of research and operational K9 experience. Mold Dog Knows was certified through a fully independent, third-party evaluation.

About Mold Dog Knows

Founded by mold-literate health practitioner Dr. Rodney Russell and international K9 detection expert Steven Antommarchi, Mold Dog Knows brings together elite scent training, proprietary detection protocols, and a deep commitment to mold-sensitive families. All handlers are certified Mold Assessment Technicians, and their dogs are trained to detect lab-verified volatile compounds emitted by active mold growth.

About Steven Antommarchi

A globally respected K9 trainer and recent gold medalist at the World Police & Fire Games, Steven has 16+ years of experience certifying elite detection teams in law enforcement, military, and civilian sectors. His specialties include explosives, narcotics, patrol, anti-poaching, and mold detection. He serves as VP of K9 Operations at Mold Dog Knows and Law Enforcement Secretary for AWDA, helping drive national mold detection standards forward.

For media inquiries, interviews or more information:
Visit www.molddogknows.com or contact Susan Russell at (214) 675-0539, [email protected].

SOURCE Mold Dog Knows