Station Dog Program

Dedicated To First Responders

Therapy Dogs for Agencies on the Front Lines

As part of our mission, K9s For Warriors partners with law enforcement and first responder agencies to provide reliable, high-quality therapy dogs that offer emotional support to officers, firefighters, dispatchers, victims, and others exposed to trauma in the line of duty.

What Are Station Dogs?

Station Dogs ease emotional stress common in this line of public service. Station Dogs are made up of retired Service Dogs or dogs that have received extensive training from our professional trainers but were not quite cut out to be Service Dogs.

It is important to note that these dogs are not diverted from any Warriors in the K9s For Warriors program, and the departments receiving these Station Dogs are receiving them at no cost to them.

The K9s For Warriors Station Dog program is an American Kennel Club recognized Therapy Dog program.

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Station Dog Placements

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First Responders Impacted

Station Dogs are Not Service Dogs

Station Dogs are not Service Dogs and do not have rights or legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Station Dogs can be taken to events and locations that are dog-friendly with the handler maintaining care and control of the Station Dog.

Mason’s presence and unique skillset will brighten our halls and offices and bring comfort to those who need to decompress and share a moment with a furry friend. Our days are often filled with challenging situations, and at times tensions run high, but Mason’s friendship will help keep spirits up and remind us that no one walks alone.

Officer Mike has been an incredible addition to the Town of Surfside and the Surfside Police Department. After the horrific condominium collapse of June 24th, 2021, our small little town desperately needed the comfort and support that Mike has provided.

Dunkin has been a wonderful addition to the JSO family. Dunkin brings a positive energy to every unit he has visits; within seconds of entering an area, there are smiles all around. Even the quick interactions leave huge impact. The most common question we receive is, “When can we have him back?”

Your organization has made it so simple and easy to implement this program. The minimal effort on our part continues to come back 100-fold for our employees.

Thank you for providing this program.

Daytona Beach Shores Public Safety would not be able to “function” without Hunter. He is a wonderful addition to our agency and has raised morale to a very high level. Even the few people that weren’t totally sold on the idea have come around.

As a 30-year law enforcement leader, I will attest to that fact that participating in the Station Dog program is one of the best decisions our agency has ever made. Simple, effective and life-changing.

Atlantic Beach was amongst the first agencies to get a station dog from K9s For Warriors and she has been received with open arms! Having C4 in our station gives the building a little more feeling of home. I’ve witnessed even the most serious officers let down their guard to play with her and welcome her wags and kisses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my agency receive a Station Dog?

Station Dogs are a great enhancement to staff mental health support and have shown  success in many different arrangements. For an agency to be considered for a K9s For  Warriors’ Station Dog, it must:

Agree to properly care for, house and provide a safe working and living environment for the dog and conduct follow up training as required by K9s For Warriors.
Identify a primary and possibly secondary handler

What makes a good Station Dog?

Station Dogs are loving, compassionate and can recognize the emotional needs of those around them. Each dog is medically cleared before being placed with an agency. They also receive formal obedience training and learn some special commands to assist them in their role as a Station Dog.
Each Station Dog must meet rigorous training standards and must pass a variety of skills tests where they must perform reliably and appropriately in all scenarios. Station Dogs should not be reactive to other animals and should be friendly and confident so that new sights, sounds and experiences do not startle them.
In accordance with K9s For Warriors standards, Station Dogs will be easily identifiable by wearing their provided vest with identification patches while working in the agency assigned.

What does a Station Dog do?

While in the agency, each Station Dog should be accessible by any staff member to help mitigate symptoms of stress and provide emotional support. As the Station Dog becomes more confident in its new role, it may also help alleviate the stress of witnesses or victims who are being interviewed or giving testimony about violent or traumatic crimes.
Ideally, each Station Dog will work at the agency during assigned shifts and return home with their handler after the shift is completed. This will allow the dog time to rest and play, which will increase the dog’s ability to perform its Station Dog duties. There may be other acceptable living arrangements that could include the Station Dog living in the agency. This would be considered on a case-by-case basis and every effort would go into ensuring the dog received adequate support and enrichment to ensure it is cared for.

Is there training for handlers?

Training will be provided to designated handlers at each agency. In the case of a larger agency, handlers may need to be identified in various units where the dog may work. Regardless of agency size, follow-up training for the dog and handlers will be provided on an as needed or as requested basis. Routine follow-up can be conducted monthly to evaluate effectiveness, needs, etc.

Are Station Dogs Service Dogs?

Station Dogs are not Service Dogs and do not have rights or legal protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Station Dogs can be taken to dog-friendly locations and events, provided the handler maintains care and control of the Station Dog. We suggest getting permission before going.

Station Dog