FAQs

How does the process work?

When Loki comes to your home, the visit happens in three simple steps:

  1. Getting to know your home
    We begin with a visual walkthrough of both the inside and outside of your home to understand the layout. During this time, we’ll also gather any known history about the house to identify potential problem areas. Craig and Angela lead this step - they are certified mold inspectors, both with a great eye for details.

  2. Loki gets to work
    After the initial walkthrough, Loki begins his search. He will carefully inspect your entire home, and we’ll clearly mark any areas where he detects mold.

  3. Review and next steps
    Once the search is complete, we’ll go over Loki’s findings together and talk through what they mean, along with possible next steps.

We welcome you to observe the entire process from start to finish so you can see exactly how it all works. We ask that you give Loki and his handler space though for optimal focus. The home should have clear pathways to all walls/windows. Additionally, we ask that all pets must be put away before Loki’s arrival. He is very friendly to other animals, but they are a distraction. Finally, Loki loves kids, but we ask that any meet-and–greet with children be done after the inspection. 


Is searching for mold safe for Loki & the handlers?

Yes! Dogs process scents very differently than humans. When they search for an odor, they filter the air before it reaches their lungs using small slits on the sides of their noses. This natural process helps reduce the amount of particles entering their bodies during detection work.

Dogs also have a much stronger and more refined sense of smell than their human companions - estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more powerful, depending on the breed. When actively sniffing (using short, rapid sniffs rather than longer breaths), air enters toward the center edges of the nostrils and exits through separate channels along the sides. This allows fresh air to continuously circulate without being disrupted by exhaled air, enabling them to detect even the faintest scent signals. In essence, a dog can process scent continuously - almost like breathing in and out at the same time.

With proper training and handling, this unique biology allows mold detection dogs like Loki to work safely and effectively while helping identify hidden environmental concerns.

As an added layer of care, Loki is regularly monitored by a holistic veterinarian to support detoxification and overall protection.


Mold & Your Health — What You Should Know?

Mold isn’t just an eyebrow-raising stain on a wall - it can affect your health, comfort, and quality of life, especially when it’s hidden or growing inside your home. Mold produces tiny spores and, in some cases, mycotoxins - chemicals some molds release that can irritate the body and, under certain conditions, contribute to health issues. EPA+1

What Are Mycotoxins?

Mycotoxins are substances produced by certain molds that can have toxic effects at high exposures. While indoor exposure levels are typically lower than in some occupational or agricultural settings, research shows that mycotoxins can affect sensitive individuals and may interact with the respiratory and nervous systems if exposure is significant. PubMed.

What are Common Symptoms People Experience?

Symptoms from mold exposure vary widely depending on individual sensitivity, mold type, and exposure duration. 

Common ones include:

Respiratory & Allergy-type

  • Sneezing, runny or stuffy nose

  • Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath

  • Eye irritation or itchiness

  • Sore throat or sinus pressure

  • Worsening asthma symptoms

Irritation & Immune Responses

  • Skin rashes or dermatitis

  • Headaches or persistent fatigue

  • Nasal and throat irritation

  • Unusual congestion that improves when away from home

Cognitive & Mood Effects

Some research suggests prolonged exposure might correlate with symptoms like “brain fog,” memory trouble, dizziness, headaches, and mood changes, possibly linked with mycotoxin and volatile compound exposure.

What Are Signs Mold May Be Growing In Your Home?

Even if you don’t see it, mold can be lurking. Watch for:

  • Musty or earthy odors, especially in basements or closets (these are the mVOCs released by active mold);

  • Visible mold spots on walls, ceilings, or around windows;

  • Water stains, peeling paint, or warped drywall;

  • Condensation or ongoing moisture issues; and/or

  • Symptoms that improve when you’re away from the space. EPA

Why It Matters…

Not everyone reacts to mold, and responses can range from mild irritation to more pronounced health effects for sensitive people. Kids, older adults, people with asthma or allergies, and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to be affected. Controlling moisture and addressing mold early helps protect indoor air quality and overall health.

What Happens If Mold Is Found?

If we find mold lurking in your space, our recommendations depend on the size and severity of the problem. But the goal is always the same: kick that mold out and make sure it doesn’t sneak back in.

Here’s the thing - most surfaces can’t just be “cleaned” of mold. Mold grows tiny root-like structures called hyphae that dig deep into porous materials. Think of it like mold putting down little underground roots - wiping it with a sponge won’t cut it. In fact, even wiping with bleach provides the hyphae with enough moisture to re-grow the mold. Removal is usually the only way to truly deal with it.

Our job is to find the mold, if it’s there, and point you toward the best next steps. If it’s a bigger problem, we’ll help you connect with a trusted Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) to map out the full scope and create a custom remediation plan. The IEP -  and sometimes us, depending on where you are - can also recommend a few professional remediators we trust.  

Once the remediation is done, we usually swing back to double-check that all hazardous mold and its sneaky byproducts have been removed. Only then do we give the green light - so you can relax knowing your home is safe, that the space has been properly remediated from the mold, and is no longer hosting a secret fungal party.

If We Use a Mold Dog, Will You Need Other Testing?

Sometimes, but not always! It depends on what Loki uncovers. If our mold dog sniffs out a significant mold source, or if a client is showing signs of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), we usually recommend bringing in a qualified Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP).

Think of the IEP as your mold defense coach. They design a remediation plan, make sure any cleanup is done properly, and keep you from getting overcharged, shortchanged, or caught in any unsafe or ineffective practices. Basically, they make sure your mold problem doesn’t pull a fast one on you.

Our mold dog inspection is the first step - sniffing out the presence and location of mold. If additional guidance is needed, an IEP can help interpret findings, assess environmental and health risks, and guide you through a safe, strategic remediation process. That way, you know you’re not just chasing spores around — you’re actually solving the problem.

How Accurate Is A Mold Dog?

Asking “how accurate is a mold dog?” is a bit like asking “how accurate is a weather forecast?” There are a lot of factors that come into play! Things like odor availability, airflow, and pressure can all affect detection. Not all mold dogs are created equal.  To keep our certification, our dog maintains must minimum of 90% accuracy - and in daily work and training, Loki usually performs even better.

No mold dog is perfect, but compared to alternative testing methods, they’re in a league of their own. Air sampling, for example, is notoriously hit-or-miss - it only tests a few square feet at a time and can easily give false negatives if there’s little disturbance. Even sophisticated tests like ERMI can tell you if mold has been there, but they won’t show you where it is. 

Our trained canines, on the other hand, can pinpoint the exact source of mold - even behind walls or under floors - in real-time. Simply put, if mold is present, a mold dog gives you the best chance of finding it. Once we know exactly where it is, you can take the smartest next step to get your space safe again.

How is Mold Toxic for Your Health?

Toxic mold (like Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, and Chaetomium) can affect people in different ways, from mild irritation to more serious health issues. Symptoms often touch the respiratory, neurological, immune, skin, and digestive systems.

Common signs in adults:

  • Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or sinus problems

  • Brain fog, headaches, dizziness, or mood swings

  • Fatigue or frequent illness

  • Skin rashes, eye irritation, or sensitivity to light

  • Nausea, digestive issues, or changes in appetite

Children may show:

  • Breathing issues, sleep disturbances, or behavioral changes

  • Developmental delays or learning difficulties

If you notice patterns like symptoms improving when away from home, it’s a strong hint that your environment may be playing a role. Consulting a functional health or mold-literate doctor can help you understand next steps for safety and recovery.