But what happens when a courageous law enforcement K9 becomes unsuitable for service work because of age or a physical disability and is ready to retire from active duty?
The Problem
Typically, the dog’s original handler will want to adopt the dog as a pet, but many law enforcement families cannot afford the high cost of veterinary bills (up to $3,000 per year) for aging dogs who have often been injured in the line of duty. Another obstacle is housing – active-duty law enforcement dogs are permitted by law in most rental housing, but retired dogs do not have the same protection. Therefore, dog handlers who rent their homes are not able to adopt without struggling to find a new, affordable place to live with their dog. As a result, many retired law enforcement dogs ultimately end up in a shelter, and sadly, some are euthanized because there is no one to care for them.
