How to Adopt A Retired Police Dog
Dogs have long played an important role in both law enforcement and the military.
These intelligent and highly trained K-9s are uniquely qualified for a variety of jobs including finding missing people, searching out drugs or explosives, and keeping their handlers (and the public) safe.
But what happens after retirement?
Let’s take a look at the steps required to adopt a retired police dog (or military dog) and how to decide if this is the right decision for you and your family.
Did you know that March 13th is K-9 Veteran’s Day?
This unofficial holiday was created by a Vietnam War veteran and dog trainer to commemorate the dogs who have served and are currently serving in important roles including the military, border patrol, police, and FBI.
To honour these dogs and the work they do, today we are going to look, at the next chapter for these incredible dogs following their service – Retirement.
Prior to the signing of Robby’s Law in 2000, most retired military working dogs were euthanized.
Today, most K-9s will retire to a life with their handlers, living out the rest of their lives as a family dog with the very people that they worked alongside so diligently.
However, there are situations in which this is not possible.
In the event that a dog cannot live with its handler, it can then be adopted out to other service members or approved members of the general public.
What You Need to Know About Retired K-9s
Before we discuss the process required to adopt a retired police dog or military dog, let’s learn a little more about the dogs themselves.
The decision to bring a dog into your home should always start with careful research and reflection to ensure that the dog in question is a good fit for your family and that your family is a good fit for the dog.
This is NOT exclusive to adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.
According to an article from the American Kennel Club, the most common breeds to be trained as working K-9s are:
- German Shepherd Dogs
- Belgian Malinois
- Dutch Shepherds
- Bloodhounds
- Labrador Retrievers
Each of these breeds is uniquely suited to the role that it is selected to work, ranging from scent work and tracking to the apprehension of a dangerous individual.
Much like humans, working K-9s generally retire due to age. This often happens around the age of 7-10, but it can vary depending on the individual dog and how early they start to show signs of ageing.
This means that you have to be prepared for the fact that you are bringing a dog into your home that may have specific senior care needs.
Working K-9s may also have unique needs brought about by the stress of their work.
This includes, but isn’t limited to, anxiety, depression, separation anxiety, aggressive tendencies or post-traumatic stress disorder.
For this reason, it is important to consider the amount of time that you are willing to put into training or re-socialization as well as the availability of resources to address these concerns.
NOTE: If reading through these points of consideration has left you feeling overwhelmed or questioning your ability to provide for their unique needs, this is NOT a reflection of your ability as a dog owner.
Just as some homes are better suited for high-energy dog breeds or those that require more attention to grooming, some homes will be better suited for the adoption of a retired working K-9. Always be honest with yourself when selecting the best fit for your family and your lifestyle.
The good news is that most retired working dogs are able to settle into a happy civilian life following retirement.
How to Adopt A Retired Police Dog or Military Dog
Now that we’ve looked at whether or not your home would be a good fit for a retired working dog, let’s look at the process required to adopt a retired police dog or military dog.
As previously mentioned, most retired working K-9s will live out the rest of their lives with their handlers.
This is the ideal situation due to the special bond that is formed between a handler and their dog.
The opportunities for a civilian to adopt a retired working K-9 are limited. It should also be noted that there is no one organization specifically dedicated to the adoption of retired working dogs.
If you are serious about adopting a retired working dog, the most effective approach is to contact your local police stations, K-9 training facilities or branches of the military directly to discuss your options.
This will give you the opportunity to find out about potential dogs that may be available in the near future, as well as to become familiar with their adoption process.
Often, there will be a waiting list in place that you can be added to after being approved.
Other organizations that you may wish to contact include:
- National Police Canine Association
- North American Police Work Dog Association
- United States War Dog Association
- Mission K-9 Rescue
Another option to consider, if you are looking to expand your family, would be to adopt a dog that ‘failed out’ of the training programs required to become a working K-9.
Don’t be fooled by the negative stigma associated with the term ‘failed’.
In fact, one of the reasons that a dog may have ‘failed’ could simply be the fact that they are too people-friendly to stay focused on the task at hand.
Check out the TSA Canine Training Center Adoption Program for more information.
Did you or did someone you know adopt a retired police dog or military dog? If so, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Feature Image Credit: pixelshot | Canva
It’s so great that there’s a program in place to rehome all of the hardworking police and military dogs. If I had the chance I’d love to adopt a police dog. I especially like the German shepherds.
I have a HUGE weakness for German Shepherds. It is such a beautiful, intelligent and loyal breed.
My brother is a retired K9 officer and he got to keep his last dog. I’ll ask him if he knows this is retired K-9 day.
I’m glad to hear that he was able to keep his last dog. The bond that they form is incredible!
Hey adopting a retired dog from police or military is a great idea. A few days back I saw it in a movie how a retired dog from police adopted by a soldier’s family helped them from bad people. Old family members living alone will find it really helpful if they have one at home.
Dogs can be a great source of security. We’ve never raised my dog to be a guard dog, she’s not from any special former working career. However, I would almost feel sorry for any person that would try to lay a hand on me. She wouldn’t let that happen.
It’s so sad that retired police dogs used to mainly be euthanised – I’m so glad that doesn’t happen any more! It’s great that they are able to be rehomed with loving families to live out the rest of their lives.
They risked their lives and gave everything to keep us safe. The idea that they were then repaid by being euthanized is heartbreaking. I’m glad that there is a system in place to give these dogs, military and police, the happy retirement life that they deserve.
Britt, thank you for writing such an enlightening and informative article about this subject of adopting a dog who has been retired from the police force. As I grew up with a wonderful German Shepherd, I can relate that they too have needs and ‘feelings’ to be mindful of. Separation anxiety is very real. Well done.
We have had German Shepherds all my life. My parents were in love with the breed and that has carried on to me… That being said, they are such intelligent and loyal dogs. I can only imagine what would be going through the mind of a dog that has been rehomed away from its handler for whatever reason (I do understand that it’s necessary for some situations).
Oh, wow, I had no idea that you could adopt police dogs, but of course, it makes sense that they have to retire at some point and need a happy home. I would love,love to do this and I am off to search of local opportunities.
Definitely touch base with local canine units. They will have an idea of which dogs are coming due for retirement, whether or not they will be retiring with their handler and what the adoption process would be.
I have wanted a solid black German Shepard for so long! One that I could train in the same ways law enforcement does for security and home defense purposes. They’re excellent dogs for preppers! You’ve given me some amazing resources to find that perfect match for me when the time comes. I’m beyond excited to have read this post, Britt!
They are gorgeous dogs, aren’t they? Even my girl, who wasn’t trained specifically for home security, has been there when necessary. Before I moved in with my now husband, when I was living alone, someone tried to break into my house in the middle of the night. He broke the front window but then, when Dav made it clear that he wasn’t coming in, he ran off. Multiple other homes were hit that night.
I love your balanced perspective and especially how you emphasize how individual dog ownership is, that there is not one solution for everyone. I had never thought that adopting a retired police dog could be an option, but it sounds like it could work out great for some families.
Even just looking at our two dogs here, they are night and day different! Indiana is a shy and submissive pup that will run if scared while Daviana is my protector, willing to stand between me and any perceived risk without hesitation. With those temperaments comes unique challenges.
I had no clue that adoption programs like these existed. I love that these dogs can find a good home that suits their temperament and have a happy ‘retirement’. Also, you always hear about German Shepherds, but not the other other breads working for the police. Great article and very informative!
Yes! Many people don’t realize that German Shepherds aren’t the only dogs that hold a working role in law enforcement, security and the military.
You know I really never considered that the k9 unit dogs would need adopted after they are retired. I sort of thought they were privately owned by a k9 unit officer. Shows how much I know! Very cool read. Thanks for sharing.
They are technically ‘owned’ by the police force that they are part of, however, in most cases, they will retire with their handler as that is who they have bonded with. That’s why so many people believe that they are owned by the handler 🙂
This is a really insightful and helpful post as I didn’t know much about retired police dogs or adopting them! Great post x
Thank you!
Another super insightful post from you. I always wondered what happens to police doggos once they retire!
Rosie
They retire relatively young in the grand scheme of things – with so much life left to live during their retirement years!