Private drug-dog sniffs out problems, avoids police involvement in Boca Raton

BOCA RATON, Fla. -  After years as both a cop and a private detective, Andy Novotak decided to move in a new direction, with a new partner. He joined forces with Caleb, a one year old Dutch shepherd.

"And he's trained for the full spectrum of narcotics. So hopefully he'll be able to find this cocaine here," said Andy.

Using a decoy scented like cocaine, Andy puts his partner through his paces, searching businesses or even homes for illegal substances.

"Maybe drugs come into the facility, who knows how they get in, but they get in, and maybe someone is doing them, and really not being clean, so they bring us in to check from time to time," said Andy, the founder of S.N.I.F., the special narcotic investigative force.

If drugs are found, Andy and his associates have a strict hands, and paws, off policy. "I recommend they destroy it. Or, if they want to take it to a higher level, take that drug to a professional counselor with their child to get some kind of rehabilitation program going," said Andy.

S.N.I.F.'s services provide a wake up call to those under the influence, without the risk of jail-time.

"You can't lie to the dog's nose. He'll find it every time. This way you can address the issue, which is good because you keep it private. It's before they get involved with law enforcement or getting in trouble," said Andy.

However, it's not just about finding drugs. Sniffing out missing pets is also a specialty. "If you've made all your calls and still haven't found them, we try to get them tracked," said Andy.