Dr. Tim's Features Airport Dog Hercules on Treats

A 9-year-old border collie who clears wildlife from West Virginia Yeager International Airport runways is now on new dog treat packaging.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Dogs

Bold vector editorial illustration of a lone dog silhouette trotting along an empty airport runway toward wooded hills in warm coral and teal tones. — A 9-year-old border collie who has cut bird strikes at West Virginia Yeager International Airport by more than 70% now stars on Dr. Tim's Pet Food treat packaging. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Dr. Tim's Pet Food will feature Hercules, a 9-year-old border collie and wildlife management veteran at West Virginia Yeager International Airport, on packaging for a new line of dog treats. The release was issued from Charleston, W.Va.

Why it matters

Hercules has been credited with reducing bird strikes at the airport by more than 70% since he took the job in 2018, a measurable safety result for air travel in the state. The partnership also channels a portion of freeze-dried Hercules Treats proceeds toward supporting service dogs.

Hercules is a 9-year-old border collie who has held his wildlife management role at West Virginia Yeager International Airport since 2018, when bird strikes began falling by more than 70%. The Hercules Treats are freeze-dried, with a portion of proceeds supporting service dogs.

The players

Hercules

Hercules is a 9-year-old border collie and wildlife management veteran at West Virginia Yeager International Airport who has become a local celebrity with his own social media presence and merchandise.

Dr. Tim's Pet Food

Dr. Tim's Pet Food is a pet food company that markets dog treats and has launched a K-9 Hero Series honoring service dogs and their handlers.

West Virginia Yeager International Airport

West Virginia Yeager International Airport is the commercial airport serving Charleston, West Virginia, where Hercules works to keep runways clear of wildlife.

The details

Hercules humanely clears wildlife from airport runways and also has his own Instagram account, a line of plush toys, and a children's book. Dr. Tim's Pet Food is also launching a K-9 Hero Series that introduces customers to service dogs and the handlers who serve their communities.

2018: Hercules took the wildlife management job at West Virginia Yeager International Airport.
November 4, 2026: Dr. Tim's Pet Food issued the news release announcing the Hercules treats packaging.

Culture Shift

Dr. Tim's Pet Food's K-9 Hero Series extends the brand's effort to spotlight working dogs, and the Hercules packaging continues that approach by featuring a working animal rather than a standard pet. This reflects a growing consumer interest in dogs with real-world roles.

West Virginia pet owners who buy Dr. Tim's Hercules Treats may see a portion of their purchase support service dogs. Shoppers interested in the K-9 Hero Series can look for it on dog treat packaging in stores.

The takeaway

A working dog's real-world results, like Hercules's 70% drop in airport bird strikes, can make everyday pet products more meaningful to buyers. Pet owners who want to support service dogs can check whether a product's proceeds are directed to that cause.