K-9 Carolina

K-9 Carolina sits in front of the Las Vegas sign
  • Name: Carolina
  • Specialty: Explosives Detection/Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 (S.E.E.K.)
  • Breed: Labrador Retriever
  • Color: Black
  • Sex: Female
  • Weight: 60 pounds
  • Birthday: December 24, 2020
  • Training: ATF National Canine Center, Front Royal, VA
  • Handler: Special Agent Canine Handler Gregory Painton, II
  • Location: San Francisco Field Division

K-9 Carolina is an ATF Explosives Detection Canine assigned to the Las Vegas Field Office, in the San Francisco Field Division with Special Agent Canine Handler Gregory Painton. K-9 Carolina’s job is to find explosives, guns, and ammunition.

She is also an ATF Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 (S.E.E.K.), able to work off leash up to 150 yards away from her handler and detect more than 19,000 distinct odors. K-9 Carolina started her training with the Puppies Behind Bars Foundation.

Recent Find/Op/Detail

In September 2022, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department requested assistance conducting a sweep at a busy local hotel and casino for an unattended baggage. The property manager also began preparing to evacuate a portion of the hotel, due to the bizarre behavior of the person who left the baggage.

The final decision was based on SACH Painton and K-9 Carolina’s findings. Upon further investigation and a negative detection by K-9 Carolina, the baggage was cleared, and a shutdown of the hotel was avoided.

Last Reviewed October 7, 2022