Department of Fish and Game

K-9 LogoK-9 Program

 

Police Service Dogs

K9 with Warden Truck

Detection Dog Team

Teams trained and certified to locate certain odors and evidence. The K-9 may be trained for on-line tracking and trailing, but does not physically contact suspects.

Dual Purpose

Teams trained and certified to locate people, protect officers and apprehend suspects; as well as being trained and certified in the detection of certain odors and evidence. They are also trained for on-line or off-line tracking or trailing.

Program Goal

Up to 24 dogs

  • Studies show that one well-trained dog can save approximately 800 personnel hours per year.
  • Some estimates place the scenting capabilities of a dog at up to a million times greater than a human, which allows them to quickly find concealed evidence and items.

Trained dogs will:K9 unit at preschool class

  • Protect their handler, other law enforcement officers, and the public.
  • Track suspects and missing persons, perform area and building searches to locate suspects.
  • Detect illegally taken wildlife, invasive species, hidden firearms, expended casings, and other evidence or articles.
  • Assist in the arrest of suspects.
  • Assist in locating lost or missing persons/officers.
  • Perform valuable educational demonstrations and programs.

Detection training:

  • All dogs will be trained to detect quagga mussels, firearms and associated odors.
  • Depending upon their deployment locations, individual teams will be trained in:
    • bear
    • bear gallbladders
    • deer
    • fish
    • elk
    • abalone
    • waterfowl

Warden and K9 Unit

Helping Fund the Way

K-9 unit sponsorship and funding:

  • The K-9 Program will be largely funded through private donations. Donated funds will be received and administered by CalTIP (Californians Turn in Poachers) Inc., a not for profit organization.
  • CalTIP Inc., works hand in hand with the Department of Fish and Game and is closely aligned with the DFG's secret witness program, CalTIP.
  • Organizations, agencies, and individuals can sponsor or donate funds to support a K-9 unit: all donations are tax deductible.

    Cal-TIP, Inc. K-9 Program
    P.O. Box 3119
    Carmichael, CA. 95609
    (Checks can be made out to CalTIP K-9 Fund)

For more information on the K-9 program please contact Warden Lynette Shimek, K-9 Unit Coordinator (707)275-8862.

Warden and K9 Unit