Hi all - at the last Board meeting, there was interest in seeing the City's final policy. Please see attached. Thanks!

Hi Oles,

Below is the response from our Fire Chief. I doubt there's policy in place.

....

Hi Rhonda,

We have two so-called “facility dogs” that are specially trained and accredited through a national foundation. They go through specific training at a facility in San Diego before being placed with handlers in many agencies and disciplines across the country. The agency and handler undergo a vetting process and then is brought to San Diego for final training and certification before being deployed.

The dogs are with the handlers on and off-duty and they are essentially part of our Critical Incident Stress and Mental Wellness Support program, but respond to incidents to provide support to the public (especially children) as victims of traumatic events. They participate in public education and outreach, community events, school visits, and the like and handlers are reimbursed for food and veterinary expenses by the City.

The dogs and handlers are re-certified by the foundation every year and can be re-assigned if deemed necessary by the foundation.

 Hope that helps.