ST. LOUIS – After years of patrolling and protecting Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals security dog Tank could take honors in a contest searching for “America’s Favorite Pet.”
Tank is one of several dogs who serve with the Cardinals’ bomb-sniffing team. Vapor wake canines like Tank are trained to inform security officers of potential explosives around the stadium, including ones that might be hiding in coats or backpacks.
Tank was recently nominated for “America’s Favorite Pet” competition. Fundraising website Colossal.org sponsors the competition on AmericasFavPet.com. Organizers say Tank is among the top 20 animals still in the running for the title.
“Tank’s standout quality is his unwavering dedication to safeguarding the Saint Louis Cardinals and their fans,” said his America’s Favorite Pet Profile. “His exceptional skills in explosives detection, coupled with 9 years of experience, make him a trusted protector. Yet, beyond his professional prowess, it’s Tank’s warm and loyal heart with a touch of chocolate lab charm that truly makes him special—the kind of companion you’d want by your side in both the game and in life.”
Tank earned his Cardinals call in 2017 after previous experience with Auburn University.
The Cardinals invested around $100,000 into their security K-9 team during the 2010s. According to a 2016 FOX 2 report, Tank and other teammates are trained to “pick up the scent of air-borne bomb particles and follow it” with the goal “to lead police to the bomber before the device goes off.”
The dogs have an incredibly sharp and strong sense of smell and can detect an odor from an explosive device minutes after the carrier has left the area. When they’re not working at the ballpark, the dogs might be working with the St. Louis City and St. Louis County Police Departments.
Tank currently ranks first within his voting group. The winner of “America’s Favorite Pet” will be featured on a cover of Modern Dog and win their owner or trainer $10,000.
The next voting period ends at 9 p.m. on Feb. 15. Votes will require a donation. To learning more about the competition and voting process, click here.
