K-9 Unit

The SFPD Tactical Canine Unit

The San Francisco Police Department manages a team of German and Belgian Shepherds and Malamutes and their handlers who respond to emergency calls from patrol officers. The highly trained dogs are skilled at sniffing out explosives and narcotics and locating and apprehending dangerous suspects. They also occasionally appear at community engagement events such as the annual National Night Out block festivals.

Each of the dogs is equipped with a bullet-resistant vest and emergency medical kit, thanks to Cover Your K-9, a charitable nonprofit which also trains officers in caring for injured dogs. In their off-duty hours, the dogs live with their handlers and enjoy a regular dog’s life.