Why We Exist

Our foundation was formed to address the need for funding the purchase of K9s for public safety agencies.

K9s cost between $15,000-$45,000 per dog, and most agencies struggle when budgeting for the purchase and initial training of a K9. What most departments can budget for however, is the required care, ongoing training and transportation of a K9.

K9s4COPs was founded to bridge this gap and ensure that K9 cost never keeps an officer from having their K9 partner.

 

Why K9s are Important

K9s have a rich history of working with law enforcement and military units dating back to the 1800s. Working K9s receive specific training to assist law enforcement or fire departments in ways other tools cannot. The structure of a dog’s nose gives it a sense of smell that is 300,000-500,000 times stronger than the human nose, allowing them to follow a scent trail undetectable to humans, even breaking down specific scents. For example, humans can smell beef stew cooking, whereas a K9 smells individual ingredients like the onions, carrots, and thyme. For that reason K9s are used to sweep buildings for explosives, search for narcotics, locate missing persons, apprehend suspects on the run, and solve crimes.

 

Solving the Problem

It is the goal of K9s4COPs to fund the purchase of highly trained K9 partners for public safety agencies needing assistance.

 

Out of 50 law enforcement agencies surveyed in the state of Texas only 15 departments had a budget for a K9 Unit.

K9s4COPs has placed nearly 250 K9s, resulting in over one billion dollars in contraband.

"Not only are our handlers more equipped to do their job safely and more efficient, but our children's schools and our streets are safer."

- Deputy Clayton Marshall, Harris County Constable Precinct 4

"Having been a K9 handler for ten years, I know firsthand that there is no greater 'tool' that can be utilized in the line of duty. A life saving device that not only becomes our partner, but our best friend, that would give their lives to preserve ours. There is no stronger bond...and for that, I am extremely thankful."

- Deputy James Glaze, Harris County Sheriff’s Office

“If it were not for K9s4COPs, I would not be where I am today in my K-9 career. The impact that K9s4COPs has on the community cannot be measured. Thank you so much K9s4COPs for everything you have done for me and my fellow brothers in blue. My family thanks for you providing the best and bringing me home safe at night."

- Dep. Kenny Taylor, Harris County Sheriff Office

“People do not understand we would not have a career law enforcement without these 4-legged partners. Thank you K9s4COPs for allowing me such a valuable tool to complete my work each and every day. The bad guys are not grateful, but on behalf of me and my family we certainly are!”

- Deputy Larry Graves, Harris County Sheriff's Office