Orlando sniffer in battle of Labrador retrievers for TSA Cutest Canine

ORLANDO, Fla. - It's a battle of 4-year-old Labrador retrievers for the top dog at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Ember, an explosives detection canine from Orlando International Airport (MCO) is in the semifinals of TSA's 2026 Cutest Canine Contest and needs your vote.

Ember helps keep the traveling public safe at MCO and garnered the most votes in the nation's southeast region among TSA employees, earning a spot in the Final Four. TSA is encouraging the public to help select the agency's working dog most deserving of winning the title of "cutest canine." Ember is the only remaining female vying for the crown.

Ember is competing against Epic, a Lab from Pittsburgh International Airport, in the second round of semifinals of the national contest that kicked off at noon EDT today. You can cast your vote between now and Wednesday, Aug. 19, at noon EDT on TSA's social media platforms, including Instagram, X and Facebook. TSA is unleashing voting via Instagram Stories, X Poll and Facebook Stories. If Ember advances, the public can vote for her in the final round of online voting which starts at noon EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and will run for 24 hours.

TSA Explosives Detection Canine Handler Oscar Urdininea joined forces with Ember after retiring his previous working canine, Bona.

"Ember and Bona are best friends and love playing fetch or just lying on the couch next to each other," said Urdininea. "Ember has high drive and is a very friendly dog that truly enjoys coming to work and searching all areas in and around the airport."

Ember also loves to eat steak chunks and enjoys her squeaky bone.

The first bracket of TSA's Cutest Canine Contest semifinals pitted Bolt, a German shorthaired pointer from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, against Xaro, a German shepherd from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, with voting in that round completed earlier today.

TSA will announce the winner of the 2026 Cutest Canine Contest on Wednesday, Aug. 26, National Dog Day.

TSA uses canines like Ember in its security operations nationwide, pairing these highly skilled dogs with experienced handlers. They are trained to use their keen sense of smell to detect the scent of explosives or explosive materials in busy transportation environments.

Canines are a visible layer of security, supplementing TSA's efforts to keep travelers safe and secure. In addition to working in the nation's airports, they are also trained to work in mass transit, commuter rail and maritime venues.

Here are the links to TSA's social media accounts where you can cast your votes:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tsa
• X: x.com/tsa
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/tsa

"Paws" what you're doing and show your support for Ember by casting a vote for her today.

###