Bio Detection - FAQs

Can my pet dog train with MDD ?

We do not currently work with dogs outside of our own dedicated training programme. This means we are unable to accept pet dogs or offer external training opportunities for individual dog owners.

Our Bio Detection dogs undergo a highly specialised and rigorous training process tailored to the specific needs of our scientific and operational work. This includes carefully selected dogs, professional handlers, and controlled environments to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability in scent detection.

Can you train my dog to detect cancer?

We’re often asked whether we can train pet dogs to detect medical conditions such as cancer or Parkinson’s. While we truly appreciate the increasing interest in this remarkable area of research, we do not offer training services for privately owned dogs.

Training a dog to detect medical conditions requires not only the right temperament and aptitude but also access to ethically sourced samples, strict protocols, and ongoing validation. For these reasons, we are unable to extend this training to pet dogs or offer external schemes.

Do you offer a detection/diagnostics service to the public on an individual or family basis? 

We do not currently offer a detection or diagnostics service for individuals or families. Our Cancer and Bio Detection Dogs are part of ongoing scientific research and development projects, working in collaboration with academic and medical institutions to explore the potential of canine scent detection in identifying diseases such as cancer.

These projects are conducted under strict research protocols and are not designed to provide diagnostic services to the public.

Can I donate a sample to you?

The samples we use in our projects are collected by our NHS collaborators under strict ethical guidelines.  

Occasionally, we may invite supporters to contribute samples for specific studies which will be used for training purposes to keep the dogs noses sharp before, during and after trials.

 It is important to note that all samples used by Medical Detection Dogs are anonymised and we do not provide feedback on individual results of dog responses to donors.  

I live outside of the UK, do you have a representative anywhere near me? 

Whilst our main operations are based in the UK, we occasionally collaborate internationally on research projects. We do not currently have official representatives or branches overseas. If you are interested in our work or would like to explore a potential collaboration, please feel free to get in touch with us directly.

Are you able to help me set up my own research project?

We are always pleased to hear from others interested in canine olfaction and disease detection research. Whilst we are unable to directly support or manage external projects, we may be able to offer general guidance or share insights depending on the nature of your enquiry. Please contact us with more details about your proposed project.

Are you able to help me set up my own programme?

Setting up a charity is a significant undertaking, and we wish you the best in your efforts. As a young charity ourselves, we truly understand the value of those early interactions with individuals who were in support of our mission and helped us along the way.

Given the many requests we receive as a Charity for advice in this area (for which we are honoured and humbled) and the small size of our team, we try to manage the allocation of resource with these type of requests to prioritise those who operate in the charitable space. Please contact us directly for more information.

Am I able to set up a project using your charity name?

No, our name and branding are protected and may not be used to set up independent projects. However, we are always open to exploring opportunities for collaboration with external institutions. Please visit our ‘Collaborate With Us’ page for more information.

Do you offer work experience?

Due to the nature of our work and the welfare of our dogs, we’re unable to offer general work experience placements. However, we occasionally have volunteering opportunities or specific roles available—please visit our Volunteering page and social media for any opportunities.  

What are the dogs detecting? 

In short, our dogs are trained to detect the odour of disease. Cancer and Bio Detection dogs identify specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with conditions like cancer, Parkinson’s, and bacterial infections, which can be found in breath, sweat and other bodily fluids.

Changes in type or amounts of VOCs can signal specific health issues.

Where do your dogs live? And what do they do when they're not working? 

We are proud of our ‘No Kennel’ policy, which means that all of our Cancer and Bio Detection dogs live in the family homes of volunteer fosterers. Dogs are dropped off at our Centre by their fosterers in the morning on their allocated project days, and collected at the end of the day, a bit like the school run!

Outside of work, our dogs share the home life and routines of their volunteer families and enjoy walks, enrichment activities and even holidays!

What age do the dogs retire? And what happens to them after?

Our Cancer and Bio Detection dogs working life varies, depending on what project they are assigned to. Some projects may only last 6 months, and others could be multi-year projects. In some circumstances, dogs may be re-allocated to other projects if we can be certain there would be no confounders between the two diseases. 

Our topmost priority is that our dogs are healthy, happy and enjoying their work and they are consistently monitored to ensure their wellbeing, both physically and emotionally. Regular health checks, behavioural assessments, and close relationships with their handlers help us make sure each dog is thriving in their role. If at any point a dog shows signs that they’re no longer enjoying their work or their health needs change, we begin planning for a well-deserved retirement in a loving home. 

When a dog retires or is withdrawn from service, we ensure they are rehomed in a loving and supportive environment. In most cases, they stay with the volunteers or foster families who have cared for them during their working life. These families already know the dogs well and provide a smooth transition into retirement.