OSAC/NIST Canine Certification Program
Certifications
At Chiron K9, we are proud to implement and operate in accordance with the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science canine detection standards, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
These standards establish scientifically grounded, evidence-based practices for the training, testing, and certification of detection canines and handlers. By adopting OSAC/NIST protocols, Chiron K9 ensures that all aspects of our training, assessment, and operational deployments meet the highest benchmarks of reliability, transparency, and scientific integrity.
What We Offer:
Our certification process aligns with OSAC’s mission to advance the standardization of canine detection science, providing objective performance metrics and documentation that support defensible and reproducible results across conservation, environmental, and forensic applications.
Through this commitment, Chiron K9 continues to lead in advancing detection dog professionalism—bridging the gap between science, field performance, and real-world reliability.
Why Choose Chiron K9?
Led by Paul Bunker, an internationally recognized expert in detection dog training, Chiron K9 offers certification that meets the highest global benchmarks for reliability and professionalism. Paul’s exceptional background spans over 40 years in canine detection, including 22 years in the British Army’s Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), where he became the first military member to pass the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Explosive Search Dog Instructors/Certifiers Course.
His extensive certifying credentials include:
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Third-Party Cargo Screening Canine Team Certifier
United Nations Mine Detection Dog (UN MDD) Certifier
UK and US Military Canine Team Certifier
These diverse roles reflect Paul’s deep understanding of operational, scientific, and procedural standards across multiple international detection frameworks.
Chiron K9’s certification process ensures:
Alignment with OSAC/NIST standards for forensic and operational integrity
Independent, unbiased evaluations based on empirical performance metrics
Scientifically validated testing protocols developed through peer-reviewed research
Practical, field-relevant testing that mirrors real-world deployment conditions
Comprehensive documentation and data transparency to support defensible certification outcomes
