Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Sutton.
Hi Staci, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Mold Pups after seeing how often traditional mold tests miss the problem. My dog Gus, trained to detect 16 toxic molds, can find what lab tests can’t — helping families uncover hidden mold and protect their health. For me, it’s not just a job; it’s about changing lives, one sniff at a time.
I started Mold Pups because I saw a gap in how we detect mold — and the real impact that gap can have on people’s health. Mold-related illness often hides in plain sight. Families may spend months or years dealing with mysterious symptoms, only to be told their homes are “safe” because air or swab tests came back negative. The truth is, those traditional methods are only about 30% accurate, leaving a lot of dangerous mold undetected.
I wanted to offer something better. That’s when I found Mold Pups. Gus is a mini Australian Shepherd with over 1,000 hours of specialized training at the world-renowned Florida Canine Academy under Bill Whitstine — the same trainer who prepares dogs for bomb, drug, and arson detection. Gus is trained to detect 16 different types of toxic mold with extraordinary accuracy, locating sources that even advanced lab tests miss.
I’ve seen Gus change lives. He’s found hidden mold in walls, under floors, behind furniture, and even inside bedding. In one case, he uncovered the source of a little girl’s chronic throat tic — a moldy pillow caused by going to bed with wet hair — after multiple “all clear” lab results. Within days of moving rooms, her symptoms nearly vanished. It was a very validating moment.
For me, this is more than a business. It’s a mission. Every inspection is a chance to help someone feel better, breathe easier, and finally get answers they’ve been searching for. Sometimes, all it takes is a dog’s nose to change a life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Take Gus to training and dropping him off was very stressful, and then not knowing if he had what it takes to be a certified mold dog. When he got home from training, we gave him time to adjust to civilian life and get back to being a dog. We have worked tirelessly to get the word out about Mold Pups and the good that can come in having us out. Through social media and cold calling, we are slowing getting known. Most have never heard of this service, so it’s a lot of education and talking to people. I’ve been calling local doctors to try and get the word out about Mold Pups, and I’ve seen really good return. They just need to know we are here.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a mom of 3 beautiful loud boys and wife to an ex professional baseball player. I’m so proud of my family. Griffin is 7 and the baby of the group. Beckett is the middle child and is 10, and Ryder is almost 13. My husband, Drew, is a rock that I lean pretty hard on. He’s been great about lending an ear when I have an issue that needs solving.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Going to the Devil’s River in Texas with my dad and 2 sisters. We learned how to fish, string a trout line, catch lizards. We slept in tents and learned to search the land for Indian arrow heads left behind from ancient civilizations that used the river for daily life. My dad is my hero, and just spending time with him is amazing. We heard stories of his childhood and coming to the River with his many fishing buddies. I plan to spread my ashes along the Devil’s River and Llano River. I want to send my boys on the ultimate river trip where they see wild rivers and the wonders that come with being in nature.
Pricing:
- 1,200 for a mold inspection
- we travel
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moldpups.com
- Instagram: moldpups
- Facebook: Staci Palmer Sutton and mold pups
