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Similar to human police officers, dogs working for the police also must retire at a certain age. Healthy police dogs are retired when they reach nine years of age. Most of these dogs usually retire and live until the end of their lives with their respective handlers. In rare cases, a police dog is advertised for adoption. Do note that if you want to adopt a retired police dog, do be prepared to do much more hard work compared to adopting an ordinary pet dog. The police will not automatically give the dog to anyone who asks for the animal. Since the canine has special training, the police will give the dog only to those who are capable of handling the animal. The person who will adopt the dog will be screened for desirable characteristics.
Adoption procedures
If you have made up your mind to adopt a police dog, then
call or visit the local police station and inform them about your intention to
adopt a dog which has previously served in law enforcement. Even if the
concerned police station does not directly manage the adoption, the unit can
point you in the right direction. The best way to go about is to contact the K9
facilities used in training the dogs directly. As most dogs stay with their
handlers after they retire, be prepared for a long wait. Your name will in
probability be at the end of a long queue. ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
Meeting the requirements
To obtain a requirement list from the K9 adoption agency or from the police station. Ensure that your residence exceeds or at least satisfies basic needs to adopt a former police canine. Be aware that the police will send an inspection team to your home when a dog is up for adoption. It is important that all members of the household be present during the inspection. A majority of specialist adoption agencies interview all family members before they give their consent to give the dog. If it is possible, have a veterinarian present to highlight you and your family in the best possible light. It is better that you have previous pet experience, especially with dogs. Prior experience with canines is a big plus. It is recommended that the retired police dog should be the only pet in the home. Most specialist agencies with K9 adoption experience will not allow a former police dog to stay in a home that already has a cat. If the K9 agency says yes, then your house must have a fenced in yard to keep the animal safe.
If you live in a rented home, then you require the written permission of your landlord to keep the dog in the house.