How does a police agency purchase a police dog?
Many police agencies do not have a budget for police dogs,
so they are purchased by public and/or corporate donations. Agencies may also need donations to pay for the dog’s training, as well
as veterinary bills, daily food and training equipment.
How come K-9s are not part of a department’s regular budget items?
K-9s
are considered a specialty unit, which means technically they could run a department without them, unlike police cars, police officers,
and their training. 80-plus percent of a police department’s budget goes toward salary, and the remaining 20 percent is needed to
acquire equipment and training for the officers. There are simply not enough funds for most agencies to include the cost of K-9s and
their up-keep in the general budget.
What do police dogs eat?
Unlike the average family pet, a police service dog is extremely
active and requires a diet formulated to meet its increased energy and nutrient demands.
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