Operational K9s play a crucial role in our law enforcement agencies, search and rescue teams, and among other first responders. That’s why we work to provide K9 handlers throughout the state with the resources and information you need to ensure your K9 partner is always ready for duty.
From blood typing and first aid kits to our Statewide Operational K9 Registry, we’re here to help you support your K9’s health and safety.
K9 Blood Typing and K9 Safety Cards
Blood typing K9s can save vital minutes when blood is needed in an emergency. We perform blood typing during our courses and trainings, as well as the annual Wisconsin Law Enforcement Canine Handler Association conference. The process takes just about 10 minutes, but the information it provides is invaluable.
Once we’ve determined your K9’s blood type, we document it on a custom K9 Safety Card, which you can keep with you in case of emergency. Our cards include a variety of other details for protecting the health and safety of your K9 partner — including baseline vitals, basic life support, trauma care, emergency medications and dosages, and more.
If you’ve received a K9 Safety Card at one of our trainings or events and need a replacement, please contact us.
Statewide Operational K9 Registry
Blood type information is also recorded in our Statewide Operational K9 Registry, a comprehensive database that we maintain for operational K9s in Wisconsin.
This first-of-its-kind resource in the state allows us to track important details, like each K9’s working history, medications, any illnesses or injuries experienced in the field, retirement date, and more. In the unfortunate event of a K9’s death, we also record the cause to aid in the prevention of similar incidents in the future.
First Aid Kits
Our commitment to K9 health and safety extends to making sure that every handler has the right tools at their disposal in case of emergency.
In collaboration with Wisconsin Vest-a-Dog, we provide all K9 handlers in the state with an individual first aid kit (IFAK). This kit contains all the essentials you’ll need to provide immediate point of injury care to your K9 in an emergency situation.
We instruct handlers on how to use the IFAK and its contents effectively, and at each of our trainings, we also bring along supplies for attendees to restock their kits. Please don’t hesitate to contact the OPK9 Medical Team if you need assistance with your IFAK and proper use.
Remember, the best way to ensure the health and safety of your K9 is to be prepared. By equipping handlers with the right knowledge and tools, we’re committed to helping you provide the best possible care for your K9 partner.
