How to Become a K9 Officer for 2025?

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The demand for K9 officers remains as law enforcement agencies recognize that K9 units play vital roles in keeping up with security threats, particularly in explosive detection and drug enforcement. Despite having around 50,000 active K9 officers in the United States, the need for highly trained handlers continues to grow, which leaves many aspiring officers wondering how to break into this specialized and rewarding career.

This guide provides a comprehensive view of the requirements, training, and career paths available for those looking to become K9 officers. Whether you’re already in law enforcement or just starting your journey, this resource aims to help you navigate the process and set yourself up for success.

Key Things You Should Know About Becoming a K9 Officer

Most agencies require experience as a regular patrol officer before allowing officers to apply for the K9 unit.
K9 handler training is one of the most crucial training K9 officers undergo, which can take several months.
K9 officers don’t choose their own dogs. Instead, the department or trainer selects a dog based on its suitability for police work.

What does a K9 officer do?
Do you need a degree to become a K9 officer?
What are the licensing requirements to become a K9 officer in 2025?
What experience is required to become a K9 officer?
Where can you work as a K9 officer?
How do you apply to become a K9 officer in the police force?
What skills do you need to be a successful K9 officer?
How much do K9 officers make per year?
What is the future job outlook for K9 officers?
Should K9 officers consider additional legal education?
How Can K9 Officers Enhance Their Legal and Analytical Skills?
What ethical considerations do K9 handlers need to follow?
What career advancement opportunities are available to K9 officers?
How Do Education and Training Costs Impact Your Career as a K9 Officer?
How Can K9 Officers Sustain Long-Term Physical and Mental Well-being?
Can K9 Officers Leverage Their Expertise for Federal Agency Roles?
Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a K9 Officer

What does a K9 officer do?

K9 officers work alongside specially trained police dogs to assist in law enforcement operations. Their responsibilities vary based on their assignments, but they often involve suspect apprehension, search-and-rescue, and narcotics or explosives detection. These officers play a vital role in maintaining public safety and crime prevention, leveraging the heightened senses and capabilities of their canine partners.

According to the National Police Dog Foundation, police K9s fall into two main classifications:

Patrol Dogs: These dogs assist officers with general law enforcement tasks, including officer protection, suspect apprehension, area or building clearance, and securing controlled areas.
Detection Dogs: These dogs specialize in either narcotics or explosives detection (not both), using their powerful sense of smell to identify illegal substances or dangerous materials.

K9 officers must be highly trained to handle their canine partners effectively, ensuring their dogs respond to commands and operate safely in high-pressure situations. In general, K9 officers handle a variety of tasks, including:

Patrolling and Crime Prevention: Officers and their K9 partners conduct routine patrols, providing security in high-risk areas and assisting in active crime situations.
Suspect Apprehension: K9 units are trained to track and detain fleeing suspects, reducing the risk to human officers.
Search-and-rescue Operations: Some K9s specialize in finding missing persons, disaster victims, or fugitives in challenging environments.
Narcotics and Explosives Detection: Dogs trained for detection work identify illegal substances or explosive materials in vehicles, buildings, and public spaces.
Building and Area Searches: K9 officers use their dogs to clear buildings, locate hidden suspects, and search open areas more efficiently than human officers alone.
Public Demonstrations and Community Engagement: K9 units often participate in public safety events, showcasing their skills and educating the community about their role in law enforcement.

As of 2022, approximately 5,600 K9s serve across various federal government agencies, according to the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Below is a breakdown of the distribution of K9s across different federal departments and agencies:

Do you need a degree to become a K9 officer?

While a degree is not mandatory, many departments prefer candidates with some level of higher education. Useful degrees include:

Criminal Justice: Provides a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, the legal system, and investigative techniques.
Law Enforcement: Focuses on the practical aspects of policing, including patrol procedures, criminal law, and use of force policies.
Forensic Science: Offers knowledge in evidence collection, analysis, and crime scene investigation, which can enhance an officer’s investigative skills.
Animal Behavior or Veterinary Science: Provides insight into canine behavior, care, and training, which is beneficial for officers working closely with police dogs.

Many agencies require at least a high school diploma or GED, but candidates with bachelor’s degrees or even associates degrees online or traditional ones often have an advantage in hiring and promotion.

What are the licensing requirements to become a K9 officer in 2025?

To become a K9 officer, candidates must fulfill standard law enforcement certification requirements along with specialized training in handling police dogs. These certifications ensure officers are fully equipped to perform their duties safely and effectively. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key licensing requirements:

1. Completion of a Police Academy Program

Aspiring K9 officers must first complete a police academy training program approved by their state or local jurisdiction. These programs typically last between 12 to 24 weeks and include both classroom instruction and practical field training. Key subjects covered include:

Criminal Law and Procedure: Understanding constitutional rights, legal procedures, and criminal statutes.
Firearms Training: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of firearms, including live-fire scenarios.
Defensive Tactics and Physical Fitness: Hands-on self-defense training and physical conditioning to meet department standards.
Emergency Response and Communication: Managing high-stress situations, effective communication, and de-escalation techniques.

2. State and Federal Law Enforcement Certifications

K9 officers must obtain certification from their respective state’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) board or a similar authority. This certification validates that the officer meets the minimum training and competency requirements necessary for law enforcement.

Some federal agencies, such as the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), provide additional certifications required for federal K9 positions.
Depending on the jurisdiction, periodic continuing education or recertification may be required to stay current with evolving laws and procedures. Some of these recertification courses can be completed online, which is similar to completing online college at your own pace.

3. Firearms and Defensive Tactics Certification

All K9 officers must demonstrate proficiency in firearms handling and defensive tactics. This is a crucial requirement since K9 officers often work in high-risk situations that may require the use of force. Certification includes:

Annual Firearms Qualification: Officers must pass marksmanship tests and scenario-based evaluations.
Tactical Response Training: Proper use of defensive and non-lethal tactics to protect themselves, their K9 partners, and the public.
Use of Force Continuum: Understanding the legal and ethical use of force in various situations.

4. K9 Handling and Training Certification

To work effectively with police dogs, officers need specialized K9 handling certifications that cover:

Canine Behavior and Psychology: Understanding the instincts, responses, and signals of police dogs.
K9 Obedience and Control Techniques: Mastery of commands, leash control, and positive reinforcement.
Search, Detection, and Tracking Methods: Training dogs to identify narcotics, explosives, and track suspects effectively.

Most police departments partner with certified K9 training facilities accredited by organizations such as the National Police Canine Association (NPCA) and the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA).

5. State-specific or Specialized K9 Certifications

Certain states may impose additional licensing or certification requirements for K9 handlers. These requirements often include:

Completion of Supervised K9 Training Programs: Officers may need to complete several months of hands-on training under the supervision of an experienced K9 handler.
Periodic Recertification and Evaluations: K9 teams may need to pass regular evaluations to maintain certification, ensuring operational readiness. These recertifications assess the dog’s performance in key areas such as obedience, detection, and apprehension to ensure they meet departmental standards and comply with federal guidelines, especially for assignments like explosives detection.

As of 2022, 26 federal programs utilize government-managed working dogs for a variety of critical tasks, as shown in the chart below:

What experience is required to become a K9 officer?

Most agencies require candidates to first serve as patrol officers before transitioning into K9 units. Requirements typically include:

At least 1-3 years of law enforcement experience: This allows officers to gain practical knowledge of policing and develop the skills necessary to handle high-stress situations.
Demonstrated physical fitness and handling skills: K9 officers must be physically capable of handling active police dogs and responding to dynamic situations.
Strong disciplinary record and commitment to police work: Candidates must exhibit professionalism, sound judgment, and a commitment to law enforcement values.

Some candidates gain additional experience by volunteering with K9 units, attending specialized training workshops, or working in security fields. If you are interested in healthcare-related roles, you may also consider learning about what is a patient care coordinator, a position that involves managing patient care, ensuring seamless transitions, and providing support throughout the treatment process.

Where can you work as a K9 officer?

K9 officers have the opportunity to work in diverse environments, depending on their training and the needs of the organization they serve. Below are some of the most common career paths for K9 officers:

Local and state police departments: These agencies employ the largest number of K9 units, primarily focusing on patrol, suspect apprehension, narcotics detection, and search operations. K9 officers often assist with crowd control, bomb detection, and tracking down fleeing suspects.
Federal agencies such as the FBI, TSA, and Border Patrol: Federal agencies rely on K9 teams to enhance border security, counterterrorism, and the protection of federal facilities. TSA K9 units specialize in detecting explosives in high-traffic areas, while Border Patrol dogs assist in locating illegal contraband and individuals attempting to cross the border.
Private security firms: K9 units in private security firms protect high-profile clients, corporate events, and sensitive locations. These dogs are often trained to detect explosives, narcotics, and potential threats in crowded public spaces.
Search-and-rescue organizations: Specialized K9 units assist in locating missing persons, disaster victims, and high-risk search operations. These dogs are trained to track human scents over vast distances and in challenging environments, making them invaluable during natural disasters or wilderness rescues.
Military police units: Military K9 units play a vital role in base security, detecting explosives, and supporting combat operations. The U.S. Military began using K9s in 1942 and has since deployed thousands of highly trained dogs in various roles as shown below.

If you're considering a healthcare career, PACU nurse salary is a valuable piece of information for those interested in post-anesthesia care, offering a rewarding path in the medical field.

How do you apply to become a K9 officer in the police force?

The application process to become a K9 officer can be rigorous, but it ensures that both the officer and the assigned police dog are prepared for high-stakes operations. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply and qualify for a position in a K9 unit:

1. Meet Standard Police Officer Hiring Requirements

Before pursuing a career as a K9 officer, candidates must first meet the minimum requirements to become a police officer. These requirements typically include:

Background Check: A thorough investigation of the candidate’s criminal history, credit report, and overall background.
Police Academy Training: Completion of a state-certified police academy program that includes coursework in criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms training, and emergency response.
Physical Fitness Examination: Demonstrating physical endurance, strength, and agility to perform the demanding tasks required of law enforcement officers.
Psychological Evaluation: Ensuring that candidates possess the mental and emotional resilience needed for high-stress situations.

2. Gain Patrol Experience to Become Eligible for K9 Training

Most departments require officers to complete up to three years of patrol experience before applying to a K9 unit. During this time, officers develop the necessary skills to:

Respond to high-risk situations effectively.
Demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making in the field.
Build a reputation for reliability and professionalism, which is essential for handling a K9 partner.

3. Apply for a K9 Unit Opening Within Your Department

When a K9 position becomes available, officers interested in joining the unit must formally apply and undergo a competitive selection process. This often includes:

Written Exam: Assessing knowledge of police procedures, criminal law, and situational judgment.
Oral Interview Board: Evaluating the officer’s motivation, understanding of K9 operations, and ability to work as part of a team.
Performance Review: Reviewing the officer’s patrol record, discipline history, and overall suitability for the role.

4. Complete Specialized K9 Training

Upon selection, officers must undergo comprehensive K9 handler training, which can last for months, depending on the department and the specialization of the K9 team. Training typically covers:

Canine Obedience and Control: Mastering voice commands, leash control, and positive reinforcement techniques.
Scent Detection Techniques: Teaching dogs to detect narcotics, explosives, or search for missing persons.
Apprehension and Bite Work: Learning how to direct police dogs during suspect apprehension while maintaining control.
Handler Safety and Tactical Deployment: Ensuring that K9 handlers understand how to work effectively with their dogs in high-risk situations.

5. Pass Evaluations to Ensure Compatibility with the Assigned Police Dog

Before officially joining the K9 unit, the officer must undergo final evaluations to ensure compatibility with their assigned police dog. These evaluations assess:

Handler-Dog Bond: Determining whether the officer and the K9 demonstrate a strong working relationship and mutual trust.
Operational Readiness: Ensuring that the officer can effectively command the dog in real-world scenarios.
Behavioral Assessment: Verifying that the dog responds consistently to the handler’s commands under stress.

While this career path may seem specialized to law enforcement, a nurse case manager career path involves similar responsibilities of assessing needs, planning strategies, and providing support. In healthcare, those pursuing a career as a critical care nurse must also meet specific qualifications for critical care nurses to excel in high-pressure medical environments.

What skills do you need to be a successful K9 officer?

To excel as a K9 officer, individuals must develop a diverse set of skills that ensure effective teamwork, safety, and operational success. Key skills include:

Strong Physical Fitness: Handling active police dogs and responding to high-intensity situations require endurance, strength, and agility.
Excellent Communication Skills: K9 officers must coordinate effectively with fellow officers, relay information clearly during operations, and engage professionally with the public.
Patience and Discipline: Consistent training, care, and control of a canine partner demand patience, dedication, and a structured approach.
Tactical Awareness: The ability to assess potential threats, analyze situations, and make split-second decisions is crucial in the field.
Problem-Solving Skills: K9 officers often track suspects, investigate crimes, and identify hidden threats, requiring strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities.

For those looking to develop or enhance these skills, looking up online schools list that offer programs or courses in law enforcement, criminal justice, and K9 handling can provide a solid foundation for success in this demanding career.

How much do K9 officers make per year?

The salary of a K9 officer can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, department size, and the level of specialization required for the role. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for police officers and detectives was $74,910 as of 2023.

However, K9 officers often earn higher salaries due to the specialized nature of their work and the added risks associated with handling police dogs. For example, K9 officers working in high-profile positions, such as the PFPA (Pentagon Force Protection Agency) Canine Division, can earn between $67,808 and $116,639 per year, with an additional 6% pay supplement upon successful completion of required training.

However, K9 officers serving in the military may have different compensation structures that include base pay, housing allowances, and special duty pay depending on their rank and years of service. For those interested in pursuing a military career as a K9 handler, enrolling in programs offered by military friendly online colleges can provide the necessary education and training to excel in this specialized field.

Below is the average compensation of K9 officers according to CountyOffice.org:

What is the future job outlook for K9 officers?

The evolving security landscape and technological advancements continue to influence recruitment and operational strategies within K9 units. Recent analyses suggest that agencies are not only expanding their use of highly trained police dogs but also investing in continuous skill development and specialized roles to keep pace with emerging threats. Projections indicate steady growth in demand for skilled K9 officers, with departments enhancing training programs and considering cross-functional expertise to meet diverse operational needs. This trend positions experienced handlers well for both traditional roles and transition opportunities into high paying jobs in criminal justice as agencies recalibrate their resource allocations.

Should K9 officers consider additional legal education?

In today’s evolving legal landscape, supplementing operational expertise with targeted legal education can enhance a K9 officer’s ability to navigate complex policy and regulatory frameworks. Advanced legal studies help officers understand critical issues such as constitutional rights, use-of-force policies, and administrative procedures, thereby reducing legal risks on the field. Integrating legal knowledge with practical experience fosters more effective communication with internal legal teams and improves departmental policy compliance. For officers seeking to broaden their understanding, exploring legal studies online programs can offer a flexible pathway to acquiring essential legal insights.

How Can K9 Officers Enhance Their Legal and Analytical Skills?

K9 officers benefit from bolstering their understanding of legal frameworks and analytical methodologies to effectively interpret departmental policies and adapt to evolving regulatory environments. Advancing legal knowledge can refine investigative procedures and enhance operational accountability. Officers may consider supplementing their training by engaging in targeted legal studies, which provide structured insights into legal research, administrative protocols, and procedural compliance. Programs like ABA approved paralegal programs online offer flexible curricula designed to strengthen skills in legal analysis and documentation, directly supporting improved decision-making and policy development in high-pressure scenarios.

What ethical considerations do K9 handlers need to follow?

Just like other roles in law enforcement, K9 handlers play a critical role in ensuring that police dogs are treated humanely, deployed appropriately, and used within the bounds of the law. Since K9 units are powerful tools in law enforcement, the ethical responsibilities of handlers go beyond standard police conduct. For those entering the field, even pursuing the easiest bachelor degree in criminal justice can provide a solid foundation in ethics, law, and procedural conduct, which is essential for maintaining public trust and avoiding legal consequences. Below are the key ethical considerations that every K9 handler must follow:

1. Humane Treatment of Police Dogs

K9 handlers must prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of their canine partners. This includes:

Proper Shelter and Rest: Ensuring that police dogs receive adequate rest and are housed in safe, clean environments.
Regular Veterinary Care: Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and prompt medical attention for injuries or illnesses.
Appropriate Workload Management: Avoiding overworking the dog and allowing ample time for recovery after physically demanding operations.

2. Proper Training Methods to Avoid Abuse or Harm

Training police dogs requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Ethical handlers avoid harmful or abusive techniques that can cause physical or psychological harm. Best practices include:

Reward-Based Training: Using treats, praise, and toys to reinforce desired behavior.
Avoidance of Physical Punishment: Refraining from using harsh corrective measures that could instill fear or aggression.
Ongoing Skill Development: Regularly refreshing the dog’s training to maintain their skills and confidence.

3. Controlled Use of K9 Force to Prevent Unnecessary Aggression

K9 handlers are responsible for ensuring that their dogs use force only when necessary and in accordance with departmental policies. Ethical guidelines include:

Judicious Deployment: Deploying the dog only when the use of force is justified and proportionate to the threat.
Proper Command and Control: Maintaining control of the dog to prevent excessive or prolonged aggression.
De-escalation Tactics: Attempting to resolve situations peacefully before deploying the K9 unit.

4. Adherence to Search and Seizure Laws When Using Detection Dogs

K9 handlers must operate within the boundaries of the Fourth Amendment, which protects individuals from unlawful searches and seizures. Ethical considerations include:

Obtaining Proper Authorization: Ensuring that K9 deployments for searches comply with warrant requirements or established exceptions.
Maintaining Objectivity: Avoiding the manipulation of K9 behavior to produce false positive alerts.
Documenting Searches Accurately: Recording K9 alerts and search outcomes to provide a transparent record for legal scrutiny.

5. Responsible Public Interaction and Education

K9 handlers often engage with the public during demonstrations, school visits, and community outreach events. Ethical handlers:

Promote Public Awareness: Educate the public about the role of K9 units and the importance of responsible interactions with working dogs.
Model Appropriate Behavior: Demonstrate professionalism and respect during public engagements to enhance trust and community relations.
Protect Public Safety: Ensure that police dogs remain under control in public settings to prevent potential harm to civilians.

6. Ethical Considerations in Retirement and Adoption of Police Dogs

When police dogs retire, ethical handlers ensure that these loyal partners are placed in loving homes or cared for appropriately. Considerations include:

Adoption by Handlers or Families: Many handlers choose to adopt their retired K9 partners, ensuring continuity of care.
Financial Support for Medical Care: Departments may provide continued financial assistance for veterinary care after retirement.
Humane End-of-Service Decisions: In cases where a dog’s quality of life deteriorates, handlers must make compassionate decisions regarding euthanasia.

What career advancement opportunities are available to K9 officers?

A career as a K9 officer offers numerous opportunities for growth and specialization. As K9 handlers gain experience, they can leverage their unique skill set, leadership abilities, and specialized knowledge to advance within law enforcement or transition to related fields. Career advancement can lead to higher pay, increased responsibility, and the chance to influence the development and effectiveness of K9 programs. Below are some of the most common career advancement paths available to K9 officers:

Becoming a K9 trainer or supervisor: Experienced K9 handlers can move into training roles, teaching new handlers and improving K9 unit effectiveness.
Joining federal agencies like the DEA or Homeland Security: Federal agencies offer specialized roles for experienced K9 officers.
Transitioning into private security or military K9 units: Private sector and military opportunities offer higher pay and diverse operational environments.
Promoting to detective or leadership roles in law enforcement: K9 officers can use their specialized experience to move into supervisory positions.

K9 officers also have the option to pursue further education in criminal justice and related fields to expand their career opportunities. For those who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in exploring specialized areas such as forensic psychology, enrolling in accredited online forensic psychology masters programs can be a flexible and valuable path to advance their expertise and career.

Meanwhile, the chart below shows the distribution of police and detectives, including those assigned to K9 units:

What Do Graduates Say About Their Degrees to Become a K9 Officer

Becoming a K9 officer was the most rewarding step in my law enforcement career. My background in criminal justice helped me understand investigations, but working with a highly trained police dog gave me an entirely new edge in tracking suspects and detecting narcotics. Every day, I get to serve my community alongside my K9 partner, and there’s no greater bond in policing. Kent
Transitioning from patrol officer to K9 handler changed the way I approach law enforcement. My knowledge of criminal behavior, combined with my dog’s keen instincts, has helped solve cases that would have otherwise gone cold. The trust and partnership we build with these incredible animals make this career path truly special. Danielle
Working as a K9 officer has been the perfect blend of my passion for criminal justice and my love for working with animals. From search-and-rescue missions to narcotics detection, my K9 partner and I have made a real impact. The training is tough, but the reward of keeping our streets safer makes every challenge worth it. Cruz

How Do Education and Training Costs Impact Your Career as a K9 Officer?

Beyond practical field training, understanding the financial commitment required for formal education can be pivotal. Prospective K9 officers should analyze tuition expenses, certification fees, and related costs to strategically plan their career paths. Evaluating financing options, including scholarships and grants, while considering the long-term benefits of academic credentials, can provide clarity on investment returns. For instance, exploring how much does a bachelor degree in criminal justice cost can help in comparing education expenses with potential career rewards.

How Can K9 Officers Sustain Long-Term Physical and Mental Well-being?

Maintaining peak physical fitness and mental resilience is essential for K9 officers operating in high-stress environments. Structured training programs, proactive wellness initiatives, and regular mental health evaluations help mitigate fatigue and reduce the risk of burnout. Additionally, integrating mindfulness techniques and peer support fosters robust decision-making under pressure. Officers seeking to broaden their skill set may also benefit from cross-disciplinary education that enhances analytical and legal acumen, such as the fast track paralegal course.

Can K9 Officers Leverage Their Expertise for Federal Agency Roles?

K9 officers acquire specialized skills in high-stress environments, tactical decision-making, and operational resilience that can be directly applicable to other federal law enforcement careers. This expertise positions them as strong candidates for roles where advanced field experience is crucial, providing valuable insights into crisis management and cross-agency collaboration. Officers contemplating such transitions should compare their training with the requirements of alternative federal positions, including agencies with differing operational mandates. For example, reviewing what are the requirements to be a DEA agent can help evaluate compatibility with federal enforcement standards and identify potential career pathways.

Key Findings

There are approximately 50,000 K9 officers actively serving in the U.S.
K9 officers can earn more than $116,000 annually, but salaries vary depending on location, assignment, and experience.
Around 5,600 K9s served across various federal government agencies in 2022.
Specialized K9 training can take two to six months to complete.
Aspiring K9 officers need one to three years of patrol experience to qualify for specialized K9 training.

Other Things You Should Know About Becoming a K9 Officer

Can a K9 officer train their own police dog?

In most cases, K9 officers do not train their own police dogs from scratch. Police dogs typically undergo intensive training at specialized facilities before being assigned to handlers. However, once paired, K9 officers continue the training process through ongoing reinforcement, skill refinement, and scenario-based exercises to maintain the dog’s performance. Some departments allow experienced handlers to participate in advanced training or assist in the selection and initial training of future K9s.

Do K9 officers live with their dogs?

Yes, most K9 officers live with their dogs when off duty. This arrangement helps build a strong bond and trust between the handler and the dog, which is essential for effective teamwork in high-stress situations. Living together allows the K9 to adapt to the handler’s commands and behavior while ensuring continuity of care, including feeding, grooming, and regular exercise. The home environment also helps reinforce discipline and obedience outside of work.

Is being a K9 officer worth it?

For those passionate about law enforcement and working with animals, being a K9 officer can be incredibly rewarding. It offers the chance to make a significant impact in areas such as narcotics detection, search-and-rescue, and public safety. However, the job also comes with high demands, long hours, and emotional challenges, especially when dealing with dangerous situations or the eventual retirement or loss of a canine partner. Despite the challenges, many K9 officers find the unique bond with their K9 partners and the ability to save lives make the career highly fulfilling.

References:

PFFPA. (n.d.). PFPA K-9 officer. Pentagon Force Protection Agency. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
U.S. BLS. (2024, August 29). Occupational outlook handbook: Police and detectives. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved March 18, 2025.
U.S. GAO. (2022, October 19). Working dogs: Federal agencies need to better address health and welfare. U.S. Government Accountability Office. Retrieved March 17, 2025.
USA Facts. (2023, November 2). Dogs with jobs: Data on canine employment in the US government. USAFacts.org. Retrieved March 18, 2025.