Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a life-threatening outcome of Leishmania infantum or Leishmania donovani infection. Dogs are the primary domestic reservoir of L. infantum parasites, and ownership of infected dogs increases the risk of human VL. Controlling infection within dog populations is regarded as critical to VL management in endemic countries, both preventing progression of canine disease and limiting parasite transmission to humans and dogs. Here we discuss various strategies that are used to diagnose canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and the possibilities of adapting these for use within population screening and control programs. In addition, given the variable transmissibility of L. infantum to the sand fly vector, we outline some possibilities for the preferential identification of ‘super-spreader’ dogs among the overall infected population. VL is an important disease of dogs and humans, with dogs being the primary domestic reservoir of L. infantum parasites. Detection of diseased, infected, and parasite-transmitting ‘super-spreader’ dogs is likely critical for control. Dependent upon scale, direct and indirect detection methods can be used for surveillance. Novel molecular assays with point-of-care potential are emerging. New antigen targets are being characterized to enhance performance of serological assays. Adaptation to provide point-of-care serological tests to permit Leishmania detection and facilitate large-scale screening programs.