Choosing the Right Team to do Your Mold Inspection
Our specially trained dogs detect mold faster and more accurately than traditional methods, saving you time and money.
- Non-invasive detection behind walls and in hidden areas.
- Certified handlers with years of experience.
- Environmentally friendly and safe for your home.
- Quick results with detailed reports.
What We Offer
Our Services
Tailored to every dog, every goal, and every owner.
The Ghost Paw K9 Group Team
Meet the Stars (and thier hoomans) of our team.
Micheal Donovan
Navy Veteran & Certified Mold Dog Handler
Michael is a Navy Veteran with a heart for service and a commitment to helping families live in healthier homes. With 25 years of construction experience and over a decade as a business owner, he brings a deep understanding of how homes are built — and how to identify issues that affect their health. Michael holds multiple certifications in bathroom and home building and has extensive general construction knowledge.
A lifelong dog enthusiast, Michael has spent the past seven years as a professional handler and the last three as a trainer, sharing his experience and passion for working dogs. His background in both construction and canine handling allows him to approach every inspection with precision, patience, and a respect for the teamwork it takes to get accurate results.
Echo
Lead Mold Detection Dog
We’re proud to feature Echo, a professionally trained and certified Mold Detection Dog. Echo received his certification through IronHeart Training Center, one of the most respected canine scent detection schools in the country. His advanced training ensures he can locate hidden mold sources with exceptional accuracy, even in the most difficult-to-reach areas.
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Training and Certification
Echo completed the Mold Detection Dog Handler Course at IronHeart, a program emphasizing real-world search scenarios and advanced leash handling. The curriculum is based on proven detection principles used by police and military scent dogs and adapted specifically for mold inspection.
Realistic Training Environments
Echo is trained to detect mold behind baseboards, inside drywall, under shower basins, along window sills, and other hidden areas that normal inspections will never find.
This makes him a powerful tool for inspections in homes, businesses, RVs, and vehicles — anywhere hidden moisture and mold can cause damage or health concerns.
Exceptional Lineage and Drive
Echo is a KNPV Dutch Shepherd from an exceptional working line. His lineage reflects generations of top-performing detection dogs:
Father – DEA K9 specializing in narcotics detection
Grandfather – Los Angeles Police Department K9
Great-Grandfather – Three-time French Ring World Champion
Mother – Bomb detection dog at the U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas
Echo’s drive, focus, and natural motivation make him an ideal candidate for scent work. Combined with IronHeart’s world-class mold detection training, these traits make Echo an invaluable asset for reliable and accurate mold inspections.
Why a Mold Detection Dog?
A mold detection dog like Echo provides an advanced tool for identifying hidden mold growth. With a sense of smell far more sensitive than any human instrument, Echo can locate mold behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings — areas often inaccessible during standard visual inspections.
Using a mold detection dog helps:
- Pinpoint mold before demolition or testing
- Reduce unnecessary sampling and inspection costs
- Detect multiple types of mold in a single visit
About IronHeart Training Center
IronHeart Training Center, established in 2008, is a family-owned program specializing in professional working dogs. Their team has been training scent detection canines since 1993 and has produced hundreds of high-quality dogs serving clients across the globe.
“The training staff at IronHeart select only the finest dogs to move forward in our program.”
IronHeart’s mold detection curriculum uses real mold samples, realistic containment scenarios, and detailed leash-handling instruction — ensuring graduates like Echo are ready for real-world conditions.
Certified and Ready to Work
Echo’s certification through IronHeart means he’s trained, tested, and certified to detect mold accurately and efficiently. His impressive lineage, specialized training, and proven drive make him a trusted partner for clients who want to locate hidden mold quickly, safely, and effectively.
To schedule an inspection with Echo, or learn more about how a certified mold detection dog can help identify hidden problem areas, please contact us
Goon
Detection Dog in Training
Meet Goon, our energetic young detection dog in training. He’s full of enthusiasm, curiosity, and drive — the perfect foundation for a future working dog. While he’s still early in his training journey, his natural instincts already show tremendous promise.
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Early Training and Development
Goon is currently working through obedience, protection work, and mold scent detection as we develop his foundation for professional detection work. His early progress in scent detection has been nothing short of impressive, and his natural focus and determination continue to grow every day.
We’re using this developmental stage to discover what makes him tick, building his drive, confidence, and precision in the field. His energy and natural ability make training sessions exciting and rewarding, setting the stage for long-term success as a mold detection dog.
Natural Scenting Ability
Goon’s scent detection instincts are remarkably similar to his father’s, who has already proven himself as an exceptional mold detection dog. Even at a young age, Goon demonstrates a keen nose and unwavering attention when searching for mold odors — traits that are invaluable in professional detection work.
Starting him young gives us the unique opportunity to build on his natural skills early, developing accuracy and consistency that will carry him through advanced mold detection training.
Looking Ahead
If Goon continues to show the same dedication and ability we see today, he’ll follow in his father’s footsteps by attending IronHeart Canine Training, one of the most respected detection training programs in the country.
With his drive, energy, and growing skill set, we believe Goon has what it takes to become our second certified mold detection dog, expanding our ability to locate hidden mold safely and accurately for clients across all types of properties.
Train with Purpose. Bond for Life.
At Ghost Paw K9 Group LLC, we don’t just train dogs — we strengthen the connection between humans and their four-legged partners. Every session is designed to build trust, respect, and lifelong companionship.
"Mike and Echo are an awesome team! Mike was communicative throughout the process and did a great job in explaining everyhting. I never felt at any point like i didnt understand exactly what was going on or what was coming next. Highly reccomend! "
— Justin P., Pingree Grove IL
Mold Detection FAQs
Why use dogs for mold detection?
Our trained dogs detect mold with unmatched precision, identifying hidden sources in walls, floors, or HVAC systems that traditional methods might miss. They’re faster, non-invasive, and eco-friendly.
What types of mold are harmful?
While not all molds are dangerous, some like black mold (Stachybotrys) can produce toxins causing health issues. Common harmful molds include:
- Aspergillus: Can cause respiratory issues.
- Penicillium: Linked to allergies.
- Cladosporium: May trigger asthma.
What are signs I might have mold?
Signs of mold exposure in a house can vary depending on the type of mold, the amount of exposure, and the individual's sensitivity. Some common signs include but are not limited to:
- Musty Odor: A strong, earthy, or musty smell is often the first clue that mold is present, even if you can't see it.
- Visible Patches: Look for discolored, slimy, fuzzy, or powdery spots on walls, ceilings, floors, or other surfaces.
- Respiratory Issues: People with asthma may experience exacerbated symptoms like chest tightness and shortness of breath due to mold exposure.
- Allergic Reactions: Mold spores can cause symptoms in some individuals, including watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, and skin rashes.
Our dogs can confirm mold presence with a quick inspection.
How long does an inspection take?
Most home inspections take 1-2 hours, depending on size. Our dogs work quickly, and you’ll receive a detailed report same-day.
What areas do you serve?
We are located in the greater Chicagoland area but cover most of the continental US. Contact us to confirm availability in your area. Note: Services may be limited in certain states due to regulations.
