On December 18, 2007, the Board of Supervisors approved Board Resolution No. 2007/172, which authorized the transfer of ownership of retired police canine (K-9) service dogs to their respective handlers for minimal ($1.00) consideration. Police dogs typically reach the end of their useful service lives around the age of 8 years. Although the approximate costs of purchasing a police dog ($11,000) and training it ($8,000) are substantial, the service received from these dogs is well worth the expenditure. However, upon their retirement from service, the dogs cease being a financial “asset” and instead become a continuous expense. By transferring ownership of the dog to its handler, all ongoing expenses are absorbed by the handler in exchange for his/her dog’s companionship in the sunset years of the dog’s life.  
  
On rare occasions, the K-9 handler is unable to accept ownership of his/her retired service dog. In these situations the Sheriff’s Office seeks authorization to transfer ownership of retired K-9s to private citizens whom the Office of the Sheriff has determined to be suitable to accept the dog. In exchange for a minimal ($1.00) consideration for the transfer of ownership, the new owner will assume all costs – food, shelter, veterinary, licensing, and liability – for the dog.