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PROTECTING OUR WATERWAYS FROM INVASIVE QUAGGA, ZEBRA AND GOLDEN MUSSELS

MUSSEL DOGS

THE SITUATION

Since the first appearance of invasive mussels in the United States in 1988, quagga, zebra and golden mussels have caused irreparable damage to the environment, and an estimated one billion annual costs in the United States to deal with them.

THE SOLUTION

In about a minute flat, we'll inspect your boat and you'll be on your way! But if mussels are there, "we'll sniff 'em out!" 

THE CHAMPIONS

From "Rescue" to Champion. We rescue underrated dogs in shelters that face the possibility of euthanasia and train them to be our champions with this pressing ecological problem! 

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We work with everyone, around the U.S. West and beyond

  State and federal agencies, environmental organizations, academic institutions and private industry  

Debra DeShon, owner of Mussel Dogs

PACK LEADER

Debi DeShon, Owner

For over 25 years Debi DeShon has been handling, training and proving the amazing capabilities of detection dogs to provide reliable and cost effective interdiction services for natural resource managers and collect the highest quality data for researchers.

SERVICES

Inspections, Education And Training

  • Workshops to introduce what quagga, zebra and golden  mussels are and why it is so important to prevent the spread of these aquatic invasive species

  • Performing Level 1 and 2 WID trainings to teach inspectors how to thoroughly and effectively screen and search watercrafts

  • Evaluating your present inspection processes and determining how to make it more efficient, effective and boater friendly

  • Providing both human inspection services and canine team inspection services

RECENT NEWS

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Groundbreaking Canine Detection Trial Confirms Ability to Isolate Odor of Invasive Golden Mussel Veligers

Read press release

Mussel Dog at Work During Interview

3/30/25 CBS News Interview About Golden Mussels

Great interview from Channel 13, BUT they misunderstood when they quoted Debi as saying the dogs find the larvae … THEY DO NOT!

You can watch the news clip online here.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @MUSSEL_DOGS

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Look for these        signs!

Sign saying Watercraft quagga/zebra mussel inspection ahead
Stop Sign for quagga/zebra mussel inspection
Sign reminding you to clean, drain and dry your boat
Sign reminding you to clean, drain and dry your boat
Stop Sign for quagga/zebra mussel inspection
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