DEDICATED TO FIRST RESPONDERS

Station Dogs

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.

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 that are dogfriendly and to locations that are dog-friendly as long as the handler maintains care and control of the Station Dog

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Current Placement

Police Stations

Fire Stations

Real Stations. Real Stories.

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.

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.

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.

Station Dog FAQs

Can my agency receive a Station Dog?

Station Dogs are a great enhancement to staff mental health supports and have shown
success in many different arrangements. For an agency to be considered for a K9s For
Warriors’ Station Dog, the agency 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 handler (possibly a secondary handler depending on how the agency intends to use the dog and what is best for the dog); and
Complete the K9s For Warriors’ Station Dog Pre-Placement Training with the dog.

What makes a good Station Dog?

Working with law enforcement and first responders has been a successful new career option for retired Service Dogs that have been voluntarily returned by their Warriors. Since Service Dog work is typically for the lifetime of the dog, K9s For Warriors pairs Warriors with dogs that are 2-3 years old, so the dog and Warrior have maximum time together over their lifetime. These dogs are ready for a new career.

Before starting their new career, each dog is medically cleared with limited to no medical needs (so they do not place a financial burden on the receiving agency). They also receive a basic obedience training refresher and learn some special commands to assist them in their role as a Station Dog, although, “Make a Friend” is likely the only command they need to make a difference.

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 the signs or symptoms of stress and provide emotional support. It may become necessary to create a rotating schedule to allow staff access to the dog so that everyone can benefit from their presence. 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 completes. This will allow the dog time to rest, just be a dog, and play, which will increase the dog’s ability to perform its duties while working. 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 well cared for.

Is there training for handlers?

Pre-placement and post-placement training will be provided to designated handlers at each agency (preferably two handlers to allow for redundancy). In the case of a larger agency, handlers may need to be identified in varying units in which the dog may work. Regardless of agency size, follow-up training for the dog and handlers will be provided on an as-needed basis. Routine follow-up can be conducted monthly to evaluate effectiveness, needs, etc.

What supplies does the Station Dog need?

K9s For Warriors will provide each Station Dog with a vest, leash, treat pouch, waste bags, identification patches, six-month supply of preventative medication (flea/tick/heartworm), and a dog crate. The agency would be responsible for future medical care and any further equipment they would like to purchase for the dog.

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 events that are dog-friendly and to locations that are dog-friendly as long as the handler maintains care and control of the Station Dog. Station Dogs typically do not have issues with access and are usually welcomed everywhere they go. Since they are therapy dogs, their primary function should be to interact with staff and give them an opportunity to alleviate stress by providing companionship and affection, which they love to do! It’s always best to get permission prior to going, even in places the handler or your agency typically goes. It also serves as a heads up to your hosts that a dog will be visiting so they can alert you of anything that they believe might be a challenge for the dog.