Conservation Detection Dog, Filson, & Sierra Nevada red fox surveys. Credit Jennifer Hartman
Welcome to the Conservation Dog Teams Working Group
The goal of the Conservation Dog Teams Working Group is to promote the ethical and scientifically based approach of using Conservation Dog Teams (CDTs) in a wide range of wildlife conservation, research, and management. While our main focus is conservation detection dog teams, we recognize that there are other roles dog teams can fill within conservation and welcome participation from individuals involved in other disciplines, as well.
We encourage cooperation between current conservation dog teams and any individuals looking to incorporate this method into their work. We also seek to create resources for those to bridge the knowledge gap between current CDT members and biologists hoping to use the method in their own work.
Contact Us:
twsconservationdogteams@gmail.com
- Chair: Julia Nawrocki (AWB®), janawrocki907@gmail.com
- Vice Chair: Collette Yee, colletteyee@gmail.com
- Secretary/Treasurer: Abby Smith, abbysmith.dogs@gmail.com
Instagram @tws_conservationdogteams
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Announcements
Upcoming Membership Meetings
2025 Annual Conference Edmonton: In-person Working Group Meeting
Monday, October 6, 2024 at 7:00 am
Westin – British Columbia
Fall Virtual Meeting and Conference Follow-up
Since we know many folks are unable to attend this year’s annual conference (including the majority of our board members) we have opted to hold a virtual fall meeting in addition to our in-person business meeting in Edmonton. Join us as we recap highlights from our business meeting and engage in planning working group events for the upcoming year.
Thursday, October 30th 7:00 pm Eastern Time
Logo Design Contest
We are currently looking for members to submit original designs to serve as our Working Group’s Logo.
Designs should strive to encompass the wide range of role conservation dog teams can serve in our field worldwide and incorporate the text of “The Wildlife Society” and “Conservation Dog Teams Working Group” but beyond that the sky is the limit!
Please no AI designs and the artist must have the rights to the original design.
The artist of the winning design will receive some complimentary swag featuring their design.
Please submit designs via email, twsconservationdogteams@gmail.com by December 31, 2025. We will likely be voting on our designs during the upcoming online elections early 2026 and hopefully have swag available at next year’s conference.
Working Group Webinar Series
Join our monthly webinars to hear from a different guest speaker each month on a wide range of topics relevant to conservation dog teams! Note: This series is currently only open to working group members and pre-registration is required for all events.
October Webinar
Guest Speaker: Paul Bunker, Chiron K9
Topic: TBD
Monday, October 20th 6pm Eastern Time
November Webinar
Guest Speaker: Paige Smith, Working Dogs for Conservation
Time and Topic: TBD
Details and registration link coming soon!
If you need help with time conversions check out this converter
Discord Group
Come join in on discussion threads, ask questions, and find our webinar replays in the group!
Link to join: https://discord.gg/dUWUvNs4ZU
Note: Only open to current working group members
Past webinars (available on our Discrord):
July 2025, Fiona Jackson and Tracy Lyten, Skylos Ecology Pty Ltd “How to integrate conservation detector dogs into environmental programs”
August 2025, Open Q&A Session with Early Career Professionals
September 2025, Michele Lovara, Working Dogs for Conservation “Prospective use of detection dogs as a screening tool for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae infection in bighorn sheep”
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Become a member
We encourage current conservation dog team members, researchers and managers who have utilized this method, and those with no experience who are interested in learning more about how dog teams can contribute to conservation, research, and management to join as members. Working Group members must be current members of The Wildlife Society. To join the Working Group: login to your TWS Membership Dashboard, then click Membership -> Add Organization Unit Membership -> Add Working Groups. Current dues for the Conservation Detection Dogs Working Group are $5.