CaRDS was born in 2019 at the request of senior management of a worldwide supply chain logistics company. He had seen our rodent catching dogs on television and in the news media worldwide. Could these dogs work in the close confines of an industrial setting and adapt to scenting mice as well as rats?
Testing began in 2019 at a training center near Harrisburg, PA and we enlisted the assistance of experienced detection dog trainers from law enforcement, the military and US Customs & Border Protection. A number of different breeds of dog were tested for the job. Many were too big for area to be search, while others were limited in the amount of time they could work or by their genetic temperament. After two years of testing we settled on Jagdterriers and Patterdale Terriers to comprise the four-legged half of our search teams.
That same research and testing led us to adopt FLIR thermal imaging equipment to confirm and pinpoint rodent infestations indicated by the K-9s. Each of our teams is equipped with thermal imaging cameras which can identify invisible nests and help to visualize active rodents.
The remaining problem, “Where did the rodents come from?” can be addressed by CaRDS’ ability to trace the ancestry of rodents through DNA sequencing. This unique process is conducted in conjunction with the US Department of Agriculture and represents a giant step forward in the total elimination of rodent contamination.
Our CaRDS – East team began operations for a top ten food manufacturer at their 1.7 million square foot facility in Pennsylvania in March, 2023. We quickly developed working protocols and search techniques that enabled us to get superior performance and endurance from the K-9 teams. This, together the thermal imaging and DNA technologies enabled us to expand rapidly to service several of the company’s facilities.
In mid-2024 we had requests from a number of competitors to introduce the CaRDS program at their facilities across the country. Canine Rodent Detection Services, Inc., an Indiana corporation was formed in mid 2024. The almost instant influx of new clients has required the creation of additional teams in the Midwestern US, the Pacific Coast, and the Southeastern US. We are growing rapidly and new teams are being added as necessary.
Led by Richard Reynolds (whom the BBC labeled “The Ratcatcher of New York City”) CaRDS is uniquely positioned to provide its clients, large or small, with unsurpassed rodent mitigation services that coordinate with their “zero tolerance” operating systems.