Support K9 Program
At Guide Dogs of the Desert, each dog is evaluated to determine if being a Guide Dog is the right career choice. For some dogs, an alternative career path is a better fit to their skill sets and personalities. For those dogs, our Support K9 program is another option.
From standing alongside law enforcement or emergency responders in the face of adversity, to connecting with the communities they serve, these dogs become a part of their placement agency and team.
Support K9’s are placed with law enforcement agencies, emergency response organizations or other community pillars with the goal of offering a supportive, approachable, non-judgmental team member. These dogs come alongside the organization they’ve been placed with in order to help further their mission. Each dog is trained to offer a therapeutic presence for professionals or those they serve. A trained Support K9 can have unforgettable impacts that last a lifetime.
Follow up and support are an important piece to the success of the Support K9 program. In addition to availability for one on one contact to answer questions or provide technical assistance, Guide Dogs of the Desert offers several ways to stay engaged in connected with our Support K9 team.
- Sample Department Policies are provided during the placement process to help your team prepare for a new Support K9.
- Updated training opportunities are offered to placement departments / locations.
- An Annual Support K9 conference is held for networking
For more information on the Support K9 program, or to request a placement, contact Program Manager & Retired Police Captain, Dr. Coby Webb (cwebb@gddca.org)