K-9sSpecial kits help protect police K-9s

To help keep police canines safe while on duty, the Police & Working K-9 Foundation has teamed up with private and public companies to hold“Cover Your K-9,” an innovative series of technology and training seminars.

Police canines are routinely subjected to potentially dangerous situations from suspects with a weapon to explosive devices, but often have little protection. As part of the Cover Your K-9 project, the Police & working K-9 Foundation has developed special safety equipment like bullet-proof vests, heat sensors for patrol cars, and a trauma unit aimed at keeping canines safe while in the line of duty.

Earlier this month, more than thirty California law enforcement agencies headed over to the Alameda County Office of Emergency Services to attend an intensive day-long Cover Your K-9 seminar.

A team of fourteen veterinarians led by Dr. Robert Lukas, of the Sage Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care, taught handlers how to conduct CPR and bandage a wounded dog.

In addition, each participant was given a specially-designed trauma kit which included a custom K-9 oxygen mask and other items not found in normal commercial kits.

The seminar was made possible thanks to Pet Food Express which helped host the annual “Cover Your K-9” fundraiser to ensure that local K-9 units can continue to operate safely even with budget cuts.

Pet Food Express has helped to raise more than $250,000 over the past three years and the proceeds have gone towards providing more than 100 police dogs with bullet-proof vests, special heat sensors for sixteen patrol cars, and provided retired dogs with emergency veterinary care.