DONATE

The OPD Canine Association strives to provide our canine officers with the best of care and training. Occasionally, budget restrictions prevent us from fulfilling all their needs.

A small stipend is paid to the handlers to help purchase dog food and compensate officers for time spent caring for dogs outside of work. Expenses beyond that, such as, leashes, collars, grooming equipment, etc. depend on a department budget. When shortfalls exist, Canine Handlers, who have the interests of the dogs, the department and the community at heart, often supplement the needs with personal funds.

We are a 501(c)(3). EIN# 47-1582139

By donating to the OPD Canine Association, you are empowering canine officers and their handlers to work together to keep the city of Oakland safe. Your donations play a fundamental role in ensuring that every Canine Team has the necessary tools to be as effective as possible.

We typically use donated funds in four ways:

1

Individual Handler / Canine Equipment & Training

When new handlers come to the Canine Program, there is a tremendous amount of equipment needed before they begin training. Leashes, collars, crates and training aids are just a few of the many items that need to be purchased. Veteran handlers need equipment as well, since the lifespan of these items is shorter than the career of the dogs.

2

Canine Program Team Equipment & Training

These are items that benefit every handler and dog in the program. These items are typically more expensive than the individual equipment. Bite suits, for example, are worn by multiple officers and are used to train our dogs; however, the lifespan of bite suits tend to be very short due to repeated, intense use.

3

New Canines

Depending on the staffing needs of the Canine Program, donations may be used for the purchase of a new dog. Occasionally, a donor will generously donate enough money for a dog; other times we compile funds from multiple donations to purchase a dog.

4

Training Assistance

Training is essential to ensuring our canine teams perform at the highest level of excellence. Often there is an associated cost for training aid, training equipment, or outside training venues. Budget shortfalls tend to reduce funding for training that could benefit our canine teams greatly. Donations can be utilized to supplement essential training to our canine teams.