K-9 Program

About the K-9 Enforcement Unit

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. CDFW's goal is to have up to 24 trained dogs working with wildlife officers.

Trained dogs:

• 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.

Types of Teams

• Detection dog teams are 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.
  • All dogs are trained to detect quagga mussels, firearms and associated odors.
  • Depending upon their deployment locations, individual teams may be trained to detect bear, bear gallbladders, deer, fish, elk, abalone and/or waterfowl.
• Dual-purpose teams are 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.

K-9 Unit Sponsorship and Funding

The K-9 Program is largely funded through private donations.

Tax deductible donations may be mailed to:

California Wildlife Officer's Foundation, K-9 Program
PO BOX 865
San Carlos, CA 94070

Or donate online at CalWOF.org

CDFW K-9 Teams

Contact

For more information on the K-9 program, please contact Lieutenant Casey Thomas, K-9 Unit Coordinator, Casey.L.Thomas@wildlife.ca.gov, (805) 610-3919.