Download the K-9 Security Program Impact Report (PDF format)
 

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“Through your contribution, our hard-working handler-K9 security teams will have the resources they need to enhance their ability to provide not only a safe and healing environment at our medical centers, but also comfort as they cheer those who may need it.

You can be sure that each and every time I encounter HonorHealth’s K-9 security teams (which I do often!), I will think of you and again be grateful for your generosity!”

— TODD LaPORTE
CEO, HonorHealth

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Making great care possible is only the beginning!

Because of you

The HonorHealth K-9 Security Program is wholly dependent on philanthropic gifts. Your compassion and kindness ensures each extensively trained K-9 team is ready to respond whenever they’re needed.

Beyond the considerable cost of acquiring such specialized breeds, philanthropy also provides optimal training, nutrition, veterinary care, toys, dog food and equipment.

Your support is more important than ever before as HonorHealth, and hospitals nationwide, face an increasing number of potentially volatile situations at our facilities.

Your gift to HonorHealth’s K-9 Security Program supports and expands this vital service, which brings together amazing dogs and their dedicated handlers to protect and serve our patients, staff and visitors every day.

As the program continues to grow to serve new HonorHealth locations, our need for additional officer/handlers, dogs and other resources grows as well.

For your ongoing support and generosity, we thank you!

In 2024, the kindness and generosity of donors impacted the lives of thousands of people in our community by:

• Welcoming five incredible dogs to the HonorHealth program: Titan, Bama, Freddy, Di-Jo and Ginny.
• Expanding and improving our training facility so it can be used year-round.
• Providing our handlers and service dogs with 112 days of well-deserved boarding and day spa services. This allows the dogs an opportunity to recharge, while offering their handlers a chance to take vacations without worrying about their partners’ care.
• Funding several emergency vet visits throughout the year, all resulting in positive outcomes thanks to our wonderful veterinary team.
• Purchasing a K-9 transport vehicle with a safety kennel and power air conditioning so our dogs are not subject to Arizona’s intense heat.
• Investing in essential training aids that further enhance the capabilities of our K-9 units.
• Providing financial support for equipment, food, medical care and so much more!

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About HonorHealth’s K-9 Security Teams

You’ll find HonorHealth’s K-9 security teams at six of our Valley-wide medical centers. The dogs are generally German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois.

Not every dog meets our high standards. Testing selection is done by the K-9 Supervisors/Trainers. Dogs are 15 months to two years of age and all commands are given in a foreign language, preventing any possibility that a dog might inadvertently obey English commands spoken by a bystander.

The selection process includes a week of testing, socialization and environmental awareness in a hospital atmosphere, including loud noises, obedience and deterrent testing. Unlike security dogs in some other healthcare systems, HonorHealth’s security dogs do not wear muzzles.

K-9 handlers and their dogs learn to become an effective K-9 security team during an intense, six-week K-9 academy at HonorHealth. The academy includes class time as well as practical field training on National Police Canine Association (NPCA) Obedience training and NPCA Handler Protection training.

At the end of the six-week academy, all K-9 teams must pass the NPCA Post AZ Standard Certification. These are the same standards used by all police agencies.

HonorHealth’s K-9 Program requires training two days per week. That includes practical training that incorporates working in a hospital environment, stress obedience with decoy, deterrent K-9 training, escorts with the K-9 and all potential hospital scenarios.

Now, with HonorHealth’s expansion into the East Valley, we face the need for new K-9 officers at our three new East Valley medical centers as well.

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Your philanthropy in action

As security officers, our K-9 teams are well trained to handle emergencies. But they serve a dual role at HonorHealth, offering their unique style of comfort and compassion.

“A K-9 security team is briefly stopped while patrolling an HonorHealth medical center.

A smiling child wants to pet the dog. A few minutes later, a nurse hints that her patient who loves dogs could use a “special visit” from a furry friend.

Enough said – off goes the K-9 team to make a patient’s day brighter!”

— ROBIN TEED
Supervisor/Trainer, HonorHealth K-9 Security Program 

 

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Download the K-9 Security Program Impact Report (PDF format)