Thank you for your interest in the TSA Canine Training Center Adoption Program. Dogs available for adoption are ones that do not meet the TSA Canine Training Center criteria for government work. These dogs are highly active and in most cases, untrained and not house broken, but with proper training and care, they can be a great addition to families. On occasion, there are dogs that have been retired from government service.
Applications are processed on a first come first served basis. Every effort is made to pair applicants who meet all requirements with dogs that suit their home, family and lifestyle.
If you are a law enforcement or a non-profit service agency interested in obtaining a dog from the program please send an email for additional information.
Home Requirements
- You must have a fenced in yard at the time of applying.
- There should be no intentions of moving within six months of adopting a dog.
- Homes must abide by all local pet ordinances.
- You must agree to provide the dog with appropriate medical care, exercise, training and companionship.
- All existing pets in the home must have current vaccinations and preventive care.
- The age of children in the home will be taken into consideration when selecting a dog.
Location
Approved applicants must travel to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas where the dogs are located. The dog cannot be shipped to you and you may need to make multiple visits. There are no same day adoptions.
Application Process
- Applying: TSA will only consider applicants who meet the minimum requirements listed above. If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs, please email the adoptions coordinator at adoptatsacanine@tsa.dhs.gov. We will email you with further information.
- Meeting the dogs: Approved applicants will be emailed photos and profiles of the dogs available for adoption. You will be given an opportunity to schedule an appointment to travel to the facility in San Antonio, Texas, to meet the dog(s). Please note we cannot hold a dog for an extended period.
We will check references and ask to interview individuals living in the home, your veterinarian and for photos of your home and/or yard. - Selecting the right dog: It is important that we match each dog with the best suited family. To do this, you may need to make multiple visits to our facility before a final match is made.
- Finalizing the adoption: Processing the adoption may take a few days or weeks depending on the dog’s status. Once a pick-up date is set, you must bring a leash, collar and appropriate-sized dog shipping crate to the training center. To complete the adoption, you will be required to sign and notarize a “Covenant Not to Sue with Indemnity” agreement and complete a microchip registration prior to pick-up. You will be provided a copy of the dog’s medical records for the past six months, one month’s supply of flea and heartworm preventive, three-days-worth of dog food and copies of the adoption forms.
TSA has the right to refuse any adoption at any point. Dogs cannot be returned once adopted.

We have adopted two canines from the TSA, Sasha in 2014 and Daisy in 2023. We selected the TSA Canine Adoption program for two primary reasons. (First, TSA is a) reputable source of canines because of the way the trainers and breeders handle the process (and second, because of the) availability of a two-year-old canine that matched our criteria and had some training. The second adoption was due to our extraordinary first experience with Sasha. The process each time was simple. The staff communicated clearly and promptly. There is also a sense of comfort that is given by the level of which the canines are cared for and examined before adoption. Our family has benefited from the companionship in so many ways. The personalities bring us joy, and the stories are endless.

After the recent loss of my service dog, I was looking for a new battle buddy. Working at the Military Working Dog hospital, I knew the TSA dogs are usually more calm and collected, which is exactly what I was looking for. The process was easy, and it was an absolute pleasure working with TSA Adoptions. The coordinator talked to me and asked all the right questions as to what kind of dog I was looking for. He pointed me to Nitro, a 20-month-old German Shepherd. Nitro is exactly what I was looking for, calm with the right energy level. He has been living with my family for about a week now. The transition was easy, and we haven't had any problems.
Thank you TSA adoption team!!

While working at Lackland Air Force Base as an animal care attendant, I met Raff and fell in love. The process of adoption was fast, and I was able to get him without any trouble. He is extremely sweet, very attentive, and he was easy to transition to our home. Raff has impacted my family in a positive way as he is good around people as well as other dogs. I highly recommend adopting a TSA dog as they have amazing capabilities as working canines, and it’s highly rewarding to train with them.

My family and I wanted to adopt a canine through TSA because we had been looking to get a family-oriented dog that also enjoyed hunting and outdoor activities. We were mainly interested in a German Wirehaired Pointer after researching their personality and characteristics. The adoptions coordinator was able to facilitate us meeting one that was available and helped us through the application process. Wella has been the perfect addition to our family! As with any working dog living in a kennel environment, she has taken some time adjusting to a home life, but she has been great with our kids and other dog. She loves to play, snuggle and is so smart that she keeps us on our toes! We are blessed to add her to our family!

I wanted to give a canine from the TSA program a “Chapter 2”, and we had a friend recommend this program to us. The process was outstanding! My husband and I set up a day to come out and immediately fell in love with our black lab, Zsele. He has impacted our lives for the better and fits right in. He is patient and kind with the kiddos and is such a snuggly joy. Special thanks to TSA Adoptions for introducing us to the program and for getting us hooked up with our fur-ever friend!