COVID-19 Detector Dog Pilot Program
2023 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Miami-Dade County, Fla., FL
Best In Category
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About the Program
Category: Health (Best in Category)
Year: 2023
The Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) partnered with the Global Forensic and Justice Center (GFJC) at Florida International University (FIU) and American Airlines to host a 60-day COVID-19 detector dog pilot program at Miami International Airport, making MIA the first U.S. airport to test COVID-sniffing canines. The dogs were deployed at an American Airlines employee security checkpoint from August 23, 2021, to October 22, 2021. MDAD, FIU, and American Airlines kicked off media outreach for the pilot program with a press conference and live demonstration on September 8 that included local elected officials and drew local and national media outlets.