What is a mold detection dog?

A mold detection dog is specially trained to locate mold quickly and non-invasively using scent. Mold releases odors that trained dogs can detect, even when hidden behind walls, beneath flooring, or inside ceilings, helping identify problem areas without unnecessary demolition.

Why use a mold detection dog?

Mold detection dogs can help find potential mold sources quickly without opening walls or drilling into surfaces. Many people choose this method because it provides fast answers while minimizing disruption to the property.

Who uses mold detection dogs?

We work with people in many situations including: • Homeowners dealing with moisture or past water damage • Renters investigating ongoing indoor air concerns • Buyers and sellers during real estate transactions • Schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and commercial spaces If you’re trying to determine whether mold may be present and where it’s located, a mold dog inspection can be a helpful starting point.

How accurate is a mold dog?

A well-trained mold detection dog can locate mold with impressive precision. A dog's sense of smell is far more sensitive than a human’s, allowing detection of trace mold odors behind walls, under flooring, and inside HVAC systems.

Do you need to open walls during the inspection?

No. Our inspections are completely non-invasive. The dog identifies mold hotspots without cutting into drywall or disturbing your space.

Do you perform mold remediation?

No. We focus strictly on mold detection. This keeps our inspections unbiased and allows you to choose the remediation company that best fits your needs.

Is this service only for people with health concerns?

Not at all. Mold inspections are commonly requested to protect indoor air quality, prevent structural damage, and support real estate transactions—even when no symptoms are present.

How much does a mold dog inspection cost?

Pricing varies depending on property size, location, and inspection needs. Contact us for a clear, no-pressure quote tailored to your situation.

Mold dog sitting before doing an inspection

Bay Area mold detection dog

Hi! We’re Fido Finds Mold.

We help people across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond find hidden mold with our certified mold detection dog, Hee-do.

A man, woman, and dog posing in a woody area

Our team

We lived in toxic mold for years, not knowing what was causing our mysterious symptoms and struggling to find answers. Now, we’re passionate about helping others going through a similar experience.

The star of our team is our certified mold detection dog, Hee-do, trained by the renowned Bill Whistine.

We’re a small team, so we handle every inspection personally and take time to help you understand what’s going on with your space.

Learn more

Our services

Before & after remediation

An inspection before and after remediation to check whether mold is still present or if more work may be needed.

Single inspection

An inspection of a home, apartment, or building if you’ve noticed moisture, musty smells, physical symptoms, or want peace of mind.

House or apartment hunt

A half-day or full-day inspection of multiple spaces before you sign a lease or make an offer on a home.

Commercial property inspection

An inspection for offices, healthcare facilities, schools, hotels, and multi-unit or other shared environments.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area

We provide mold dog inspections throughout the Bay, including:

San Francisco • Oakland • Berkeley • Alameda • San Jose • Palo Alto • Mountain View • Redwood City • San Mateo • Walnut Creek • Concord • Fremont • Mill Valley • San Rafael • Napa

If our schedule allows, we will also travel outside of the area.

Frequently asked questions

A mold detection dog is specially trained to locate mold quickly and non-invasively using scent. Mold releases odors that trained dogs can detect, even when hidden behind walls, beneath flooring, or in HVAC systems, helping to find problem areas without unnecessary demolition.
If you want to dive even deeper, we wrote an entire blog post on this topic: What is a mold dog?
Mold dogs like Hee-do can help find potential mold sources quickly, without opening up walls or drilling into surfaces—which is why many people choose to hire a mold detection dog rather than take more invasive approaches.
We work with people in all kinds of situations, including:
- Homeowners dealing with moisture or past water damage
- Renters trying to understand ongoing health concerns
- Buyers and sellers during real estate transactions
- Schools, offices, health care facilities, and other commercial spaces
If you’re trying to figure out whether mold might be an issue (and where) a mold dog inspection can be a helpful place to start.
A mold dog with extensive training, like Hee-do, can detect mold with impressive precision. His sense of smell is around 100,000 times more sensitive than a human’s.¹
His powerful nose, combined with his training, allows him to detect even trace amounts of mold behind walls, under flooring, and elsewhere.
¹ UCLA Health
We do not! Our inspections are non-invasive. Our mold dog, Hee-do, can identify mold hotspots without cutting into drywall or disturbing your space. He can also detect mold under baseboards and in other hard-to-reach areas.
No, we focus strictly on detection. That way, we stay unbiased and you can choose the right remediation team for your needs.
Not at all. Mold can affect air quality, building materials, and property value, whether or not you’re feeling symptoms. We work with renters, homeowners, real estate agents, and anyone looking for answers.
It depends. Pricing varies based on factors like the size of your space, where you’re located, and any unique property details. Reach out , and we’ll give you a clear, no-pressure quote based on your situation.
We do! Currently, we travel as far south as Los Angeles. Contact us to see if we travel to your area.
Just one! His name is Hee-do, and he works exclusively with his handler, Simon. Learn more about us here.

Get in touch

Have questions or ready to book a mold dog inspection?

Share a few details, including your location and property size, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Or, give us a call or text at (510) 822-0277.

“So glad to have answers at last. Thanks, Fido Finds Mold team!”

Alex F.
“Such a great experience with Simon and Hee-do. We know how to address two spots and the third Simon gave us a clear outline of the steps we can take. Absolutely recommend!”

Genevieve S.
“If you’re concerned or just want peace of mind about mold in your house, I highly recommend Fido Finds Mold. You’ll get the answers you’re looking with and a fun play date with a dog.”

Nehama R.
“If you’re concerned about mold in your home in Alameda or the Bay Area, I highly recommend them.“tem

Jay V.