Since 1957, our police service dogs have been valuable members of our team in helping fight crime – the oldest municipal police dog unit in Canada.
The dogs and their handlers track suspects, and find evidence, drugs, firearms, and explosives. They go to about 7,000 calls for service in Vancouver each year, like crimes in progress or that have just happened, including break-ins, assaults, and robberies.
Our dogs wear custom-fitted ballistic vests to increase their safety. While on duty, handlers drive specially designed SUVs, with air-conditioned kennels and heat alarms that will sound if the interior temperature becomes unsafe.
VPD police service dogs live with their handlers as part of their family. They work as long as they are able, usually until they are aged eight to ten, and continue living with their family when they retire.
Video: Virtual Tour – VPD Canine Unit
00:06:53
Meet The VPD’s Police Dogs
Tour the VPD’s Police Dog Training Facility in Person
The VPD’s dog facility has a show / training field with spectator seating.
For more information, email vpddogs@vpd.ca.
Canine Unit Collector Cards
If you know kids who love dogs, have them ask a VPD dog handler for their Canine Unit collector card. Collect them all!
Meet VPD Police Service Dog Justice
Constable Matt Mageau has been with The Vancouver Police Department for 17 years, joining the K9 unit in 2010. Constable Mageau brought Justice home at 8 weeks old.
Justice is absolutely dependable and extremely relentless when he’s at work.
Video: VPD Canine Unit Constable Matt Mageau and PSD Justice
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Canine Handler Basic Training Program
The Vancouver Police Canine Unit offers a 15-week Canine Handler Basic Training Program for outside law enforcement agencies.
For more information, please contact the Vancouver Police Canine Unit Training Constable at this mailing address:
Vancouver Police Department
Canine Unit
3585 Graveley St.
Vancouver, BC
V5K 5J5
Telephone: (604) 717-2870
