TSA features SAN explosive detection canine in 2025 calendar

Kipper taking a break from her role as a working canine.

SAN DIEGO - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has included Kipper, a black Springer Spaniel, who works as an explosive detection canine at San Diego International Airport (SAN), in its 2025 canine calendar. Kipper is featured in the month of November.

The calendar, which features different TSA working canine each month, is available for the public to download at no cost. The canines, which are part of the agency's security operations, are trained to detect the scent of explosives and explosive materials. These specially trained dogs are paired with handlers who utilize the working canine's keen sense of smell when working in busy transportation environments.

Five-year-old Kipper and her handler Ryan started working together in April 2023. They can be seen working regularly around passengers and their belongings in the security checkpoints, adding an extra layer of security during the screening process. She works hard to be rewarded with her favorite toy - a blue Chuckit Fetch ball!

"Kipper is truly one-of-a-kind working dog. She catches the eye of travelers due to her fluffy ears and adorable presence while simultaneously carrying out her role as an explosive detection canine," said TSA Federal Security Director at SAN Kathleen Connon. "We are proud that Kipper is featured in the 2025 TSA canine calendar. We are equally pleased to have Kipper and Ryan on our security team here at SAN."

Away from work, Kipper enjoys long walks. She loves to give high fives, but is picky for whom she will raise a paw! She releases her boundless energy with "zoomies' at home where she loves to bounce off the wall - parkour style!

Kipper and Ryan have worked together at several major events. They have supported San Diego Comic-Con; Rose Bowl activities in Pasadena, Calif.; worked at the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and were key members of the security operations team in place at Super Bowl LVIII earlier this year in Las Vegas.

TSA trains each of its explosive detection canines at the national Canine Training Center, located at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland in San Antonio, Texas. Considered the "Center for Excellence" for explosives detection canine training, the TSA National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program is the Department of Homeland Security's largest explosives detection canine program.

About 300 canines complete the training annually and are assigned to TSA canine handlers or to TSA's partner law enforcement agencies. Each canine recruit spends 16 weeks in training where they meet their handlers, socialize to adapt to busy airport environments, and learn their craft of detecting a variety of explosive odors before reporting to their duty stations.

Each canine and their handler serve as a reliable resource for detecting explosives as well as providing a visible deterrent to terrorism directed towards various types of transportation nodes. Once on duty, these canines work to safeguard passengers and cargo across the nation's transportation systems including on buses, rail systems and in airports.