World Turtle Day: How Dogs Are Helping to Sniff Out and Save Turtles
Every May 23rd, we celebrate World Turtle Day — a moment to spotlight these ancient, shelled wonders and raise awareness about their conservation. But did you know that some of the most effective turtle protectors don’t wear lab coats or carry clipboards?
They have paws, wagging tails, and world-class noses.
Welcome to the inspiring world of turtle-sniffing dogs, where rescued pups and skilled handlers are working together to protect turtles across the country — one sniff at a time.
What is a Turtle-Sniffing Dog?
Turtle-sniffing dogs are specially trained to detect the scent of turtles in wild habitats, allowing researchers to locate hidden individuals without disturbing the environment. This approach has revolutionized turtle research, particularly for species that are secretive, camouflaged, or endangered.
Using their super-sniffers, these dogs can locate:
Eastern box turtles
Western pond turtles
Blanding’s turtles
Desert tortoises
Once found, turtles can be tagged, monitored, or moved out of harm’s way — especially in areas impacted by human development.
Meet the Turtle-Sniffing Dogs
Koda the Turtle Dog (Zoo New England)
Koda, a Labrador mix trained by Working Dogs for Conservation, is part of a cutting-edge partnership in Massachusetts. Working alongside conservation teams, Koda sniffs out the elusive Eastern box turtle, contributing to habitat restoration and long-term population studies. In one project, she located 15 turtles in just 3 days, helping biologists achieve in days what would have taken weeks. Read more about Koda here!
John Rucker’s Boykin Spaniels (Illinois)
Rucker’s famously turtle-obsessed pack of Boykin Spaniels has helped find over 1,500 turtles across multiple states. His dogs are trained to gently pick up the turtles and bring them back unharmed — a trait Rucker discovered when one dog spontaneously brought him a turtle on a hike. Their work with The Nature Conservancy has played a crucial role in Eastern box turtle research. Read more about them here!
The National Park Service Team (California)
In Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Western pond turtles were once thought extinct. But thanks to scent-detection dogs trained by the U.S. Geological Survey, researchers have identified and tracked them in dense brushy terrain — often areas far too difficult for humans to search thoroughly. Learn more here!
How Are Dogs Trained?
Training starts with introducing dogs to turtle scent — typically from shells or bedding — and rewarding them for finding it. Over time, dogs learn to:
Search natural habitats (grasslands, forests, wetlands)
Pinpoint the scent of live turtles
Use a non-invasive alert behavior (sitting, standing still, or gentle retrieval)
Most turtle-detection dogs are rescued from shelters — high-energy dogs that might be too much for the average home but are perfect for fieldwork.
Why Turtle Conservation Matters
Turtles are key indicators of ecosystem health, but many species are facing dramatic declines:
Over 60% of turtle species are threatened or endangered
Habitat loss, road mortality, and climate change are major threats
Nest predation and invasive species further pressure fragile populations
By locating individual turtles, researchers can protect nesting areas, track population health, and inform land management plans.
How You and Your Dog Can Help
Even if your pup isn't trained to detect turtles, there are ways you can contribute:
Try scent games to engage your dog’s natural instincts
Keep your dog leashed on trails to protect turtle habitats and nests
Attend a local turtle-themed event or support wildlife nonprofits
Share stories of conservation heroes like Koda and Rucker’s dogs to inspire others
From Wet Noses to Wild Habitats: Dogs Are Making a Difference
The bond between dogs and humans has always been powerful — but when it comes to saving turtles, it’s downright extraordinary. Whether it’s Koda carefully navigating Massachusetts grasslands or Boykin Spaniels bounding through Illinois prairies, these dogs are proof that sniffing out change is possible — with a tail wag and a keen nose.