Canine Unit History

Our Canine Unit was founded in April 1998 when the GTAA assumed operation of Toronto Pearson. The Unit was founded in order to comply with federal legislation that required the airport to employ its own explosive detecting canines. Prior to the Unit’s founding, canine duties were handled by a federally controlled agency.


The Canine Unit continues to be responsible for:

• Random searches in all areas of the airport - including baggage areas
• Explosives vapour detection
• Perimeter patrol
• Examination of unattended bags
• Assisting with V.I.P. movements