Washington State Police
Canine Association

Providing education and support for police officers and their canine partners.

Our mission is to keep our communities safe

For more than four decades, the Washington State Police Canine Association has advanced the practice of law enforcement and corrections officers utilizing K9s to protect our communities.

We strive to promote the highest standards of training, safety, and care for K9s in our state. We also work to increase public awareness of the valuable service these animals provide to our communities, and the dedication of their handlers.

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Members of the WSPCA and their canines stand in a line on a tarmac with police cars and a plane in the background.
A member of the WSPCA does a training exercise with his canine in a park.

Industry-leading courses and seminars

The Washington State Police Canine Association holds a variety of training courses and seminars throughout the year.

Some of the training courses that we've offered include:

Generalist & Patrol Scenarios

Learn to overcome challenges as a team and gain insight on how others approach problems.

Explosive & Narcotic Scenarios

Learn from industry experts and experience a variety of exposure and scenario-based training.

Honoring fallen K9 heroes

WSPCA honors the police canines that have been killed in the line of duty serving alongside Washington's law enforcement officers.

Help us support retired police dogs

The WSPCA Retired Police Dog Medical Fund is dedicated to providing retired police dogs with the medical care they need in their golden years.

These loyal animals have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting their communities, and now it's our turn to show them the same level of care and compassion they have shown us.

By donating to this fund, you can help ensure that these retired heroes receive the medical attention they deserve.

An officer holds his canine while smiling in front of a large tree decorated with Christmas lights.

Join a team of K9 professionals

The Washington State Police Canine Association welcomes all police K9 handlers and offers a variety of membership benefits, including industry-leading training and certification.

Accreditation of K9 teams is provided at no cost to you or your agency.

Accreditation can be a costly process, involving training, evaluation, and certification fees, which may pose a challenge for smaller agencies or departments with limited resources.

Membership in WSPCA can help to reduce this financial burden and make it more accessible for law enforcement agencies to obtain accreditation for their canine teams.

Among the many benefits of accredication are improved safety and effectiveness of canine units, increased public trust and confidence, and enhanced professional development and recognition for team members.

Members enjoy reduced fees to our two annual seminars.

These training seminars provide opportunities for canine handlers and trainers to learn new skills, share best practices, and stay current on the latest developments in canine law enforcement.

By offering reduced fees to members, the association aims to make the seminars more accessible and affordable, while also providing a benefit to its members and encouraging participation in professional development opportunities.

Gain access to our many K9 trainers located all over the state.

The association maintains a directory of trainers who have been vetted and approved by the organization, and who meet established standards of professionalism and expertise in canine law enforcement.

By providing access to this network of trainers, the association aims to support the ongoing training and development of its members' canine units, while also promoting collaboration and knowledge-sharing among law enforcement agencies across the state.

Network with other handlers located across Washington.

The association organizes various events, such as seminars, conferences, and training sessions, which bring together canine handlers from different agencies to share experiences, learn from each other, and build relationships.

Through networking, members of the association can expand their professional contacts, stay informed on the latest trends and challenges in canine law enforcement, and gain valuable insights into how other agencies are addressing similar issues or situations.

Latest articles and news from WSPCA

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Become a member today!

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