Just like human police officers, police dogs retire after a certain age. According to the City of Tampa (Fla.) K9 Unit, healthy police dogs generally retire at age 8 or 9. The majority of these dogs retire to live with their handlers. However, sometimes a dog is put up for adoption. The process to adopt a retired police dog can be arduous compared to adopting a regular dog. Due to their training, shelters need to be certain an adopting owner understands the needs of the dog and can handle them.
Step 1
Contact your local police stations to express your interest in adopting a retired police dog. If the station doesn't handle the adoptions directly they will at least be able to point you in the right direction.
Step 2
Contact K9 officer training facilities to express interest in a retired police dog. Since most dogs stay with their handlers after retirement, you may have to add your name to the end of a long list.
Step 3
Get a list of requirements from the police station or agency. Make sure your home meets or exceeds all requirements.
Step 4
Prepare to have a home inspection when the time comes. During the inspection, make sure all members of your household are present. Most adoption agencies require interviews with all family members.
Step 5
Have veterinarian records available along with a waiver allowing your veterinarian to talk with the adoption agency about your history with pets.
Step 6
Do not adopt other animals, like cats, while you are waiting for your retired police dog. Agencies like K9 Global Training Academy will not place a dog in a home with a cat.
References
Tips
- Consider adopting retired military dogs or service dog training dropouts instead.