The Novato Police K9 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that has a dual mission — to fund the acquisition of canines for the Novato Police Department and to fund healthcare for retired canine partners.
Established more than 25 years ago, the Novato Police Department canine program has proven to be an invaluable policing tool, according to the Novato Police K9 Foundation; however, a limited budget allocated to the program covers only dog and handler training and insurance.
Over the course of the dog’s service and upon retirement, other expenses arise — especially healthcare. These costs are not covered in the department budget. Through community and individual donor support of the Novato Police K9 Foundation, Novato Police Department can continue to utilize police canines and ensure they receive the care they need.
Novato police canines have been used in a variety of everyday police scenarios, including suspect tracking, de-escalation and apprehension, officer protection, narcotics, explosive and evidence detection and missing people searches.
Last year the foundation funded the purchase of Koda, a weapons dog. Koda will signal the presence of explosives and gun powder residual and has been called in by other local enforcement agencies to assist with weapon seizures.
This fall, the Novato Police K9 Foundation will fund a drug- sniffing dog to further support the Novato Police Department.
“These canines are a force multiplier,” said Keith Wheeler, president and cofounder of Novato Police K9 Foundation. “They keep our community and our officers safe.”
For more information, visit novatopolicek9foundation.org.
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