Just like our Wildlife Officers, keeping our K9 partners safe in the field is a high priority for the agency.
One of the biggest dangers to K9s in the field is the possibility of overheating in a vehicle. To prevent this, K9 patrol vehicles are equipped with heat alarms. If a dog is inside, and the vehicle gets too warm, the rear windows automatically lower and a fan kicks in to force fresh air inside the vehicle. To alert the officer, the vehicle’s lights also come on, and the horn begins sounding.
K9 handlers also wear a pager on their belt to alert them when the temperature inside the vehicle is too warm for the K9, which includes a deployment button which allows handlers to remotely open the doors on the K9 vehicle.
Our K9s will also be fitted with ballistic vests once they attain their full size (around 18-24 months of age, dependent on breed).
Learn more about the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s K9s: http://ow.ly/PiUE30hdQww#ODWK9