Key Takeaways
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released the 2026 TSA Canine Calendar, featuring 13 extraordinary explosives detection canines from across the United States.
- The calendar highlights the important work of the TSA’s more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working at airports nationwide.
- The canines featured in the calendar were selected from 97 teams submitted nationwide and include a range of breeds and backgrounds.
- The TSA has the largest explosives detection program in the world and trains canine teams to operate across various transportation systems.
- The agency’s highly skilled canine teams are extremely mobile and can deter, detect, and respond to threats.
Introduction to the 2026 TSA Canine Calendar
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has unveiled the 2026 TSA Canine Calendar, an annual tradition that honors the agency’s more than 1,000 explosives detection canines working at airports across the United States. The calendar is now available for download and features 13 extraordinary canines selected from 97 teams submitted nationwide. Each month of the calendar highlights a different canine, with photos and fun facts about these dedicated heroes. The canines featured in the calendar are from a range of airports, including Denver International Airport, San Jose Mineta International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.
Meet the Canines
The 2026 TSA Canine Calendar features a diverse range of canines, each with their own unique personality and story. For example, Alex, a canine from Denver International Airport, is featured in the calendar, along with Bingo, a canine from San Jose Mineta International Airport. Other canines featured in the calendar include Chica, from Indianapolis International Airport, and Csipi-Simjee, from Orlando International Airport. The winner of the 2025 TSA Cutest Canine Contest, Steeler, a nearly 3-year-old Labrador retriever from Pittsburgh International Airport, is also featured in the calendar. Steeler works alongside his handler, Mark Smith, to keep the traveling public safe through his explosives detection abilities.
The Importance of Explosives Detection Canines
The TSA’s explosives detection canines play a critical role in keeping the traveling public safe. The agency has the largest explosives detection program in the world and trains canine teams to operate across various transportation systems, including aviation, passenger rail/mass transit, maritime, and cargo. On average, 300 canines complete an intensive 16-week training program at the TSA Canine Training Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio each year. The agency’s highly skilled canine teams are extremely mobile and can deter, detect, and respond to threats. The canines are trained to detect a range of explosives and are an essential part of the TSA’s security measures.
Behind the Scenes
For those interested in learning more about the work of explosives detection canine handlers, the TSA has released a video that provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work with these highly trained canines. The video, "Explosives Detection Canine Handler," can be found on the TSA’s website, along with more information about the agency’s Explosives Detection Canine Program. The program is considered the "center for excellence" and is an essential part of the TSA’s efforts to keep the traveling public safe. By highlighting the important work of the TSA’s explosives detection canines, the 2026 TSA Canine Calendar aims to raise awareness about the critical role these canines play in keeping the country safe.
Conclusion
The 2026 TSA Canine Calendar is a celebration of the important work of the TSA’s explosives detection canines. The calendar features 13 extraordinary canines from across the United States and highlights their critical role in keeping the traveling public safe. By downloading the calendar, individuals can learn more about these dedicated heroes and the important work they do. The TSA’s explosives detection canines are an essential part of the agency’s security measures, and their work is crucial to keeping the country safe. The 2026 TSA Canine Calendar is a great way to recognize the importance of these canines and the critical role they play in keeping the traveling public safe.
