A leading UK charity that supports retired police dogs has launched a campaign urging the Government to provide pensions for police service animals when they retire.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is calling for mandatory financial assistance to help cover the often substantial veterinary costs associated with these dogs’ post-service care. Their new petition asks for Government-backed ‘police dog pensions’ to ensure that new owners – often former handlers – are not left struggling with hefty bills linked to injuries or illnesses stemming from years of strenuous service.
Since launching in August 2020, the Foundation has awarded more than £380,000 in grants for life-saving surgery, vital medication, and ongoing therapy, helping hundreds of retired police dogs enjoy a healthier and more comfortable retirement.
“They give the best years of their lives”
Kieran Stanbridge, Chairman of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, said:
“Police dogs give the best years of their lives to the job. They throw themselves into dangerous situations without a second thought, they show unwavering loyalty to their handler and their job, and they give so much to help fight crime and keep the public safe.
“During their careers they receive the very best care and support from the force they serve with but, as soon as they hang up their harness, they’re on their own. The responsibility for their often-expensive care falls to their ex-handler or new owner.”
Stanbridge believes the Home Office, which allocates national funding to police forces, has a moral duty to help. “It’s time to pay them back for everything they’ve done,” he added. “That’s why we’ve launched this campaign calling on the Government to ensure all retired police dogs receive support when they leave service.”
The case for pensions
There are around 1,700 police dogs currently serving across the UK’s 45 forces. On average, about 100 dogs retire each year. These animals often face chronic medical conditions – from arthritis and spinal issues to injury-related complications – that require regular and expensive veterinary intervention.
While the Foundation continues to provide support where it can, its trustees are calling for formal policy change to guarantee access to treatment, therapy and medication for all retired police dogs.
Stanbridge added:
“Taking on any dog is a responsibility, but taking on an older police dog with health problems is a huge commitment – especially in the current cost of living crisis.
“Without adequate support, people may be put off rehoming them, and we risk facing tragic decisions about euthanasia when owners simply cannot afford their care.”
The Foundation has worked with insurers to create tailored policies for retired police dogs, but many of the conditions are pre-existing and therefore excluded from cover.
“Surely the police should help compensate for this?”
The charity says arthritis is the most common condition it helps to manage. At an average of £200 a month for pain relief alone, the cost of caring for a retired police dog can exceed £2,400 a year – significantly more than a typical pet of the same age and breed.
“These conditions are caused by the physically demanding nature of their work,” Stanbridge explained. “Surely the police should be helping to compensate for this?”
Meet Captain and Keach
Seven-year-old Captain (pictured right), a German Shepherd, served as a general-purpose dog with West Midlands Police until a cruciate ligament injury led to his retirement in 2022. Since then, extensive diagnostic tests have revealed major spinal damage caused by his working life.
The Foundation has already covered £5,000 in tests and therapy, and further surgery is expected to cost another £5,000. Captain’s former handler, PC Marcus Cottrell, described him as a “fearsome” and highly effective police dog, proud recipient of the Chief’s Certificate of Achievement.
Stanbridge said: “Captain gave his all in service and deserves a long and comfortable retirement. We’re committed to giving him the best chance of that.”
Keach (pictured left above), now 14, served in both England and Scotland before retiring with her former handler Julie Roy. Diagnosed with spinal arthritis and joint pain, she relies on regular medication funded by the charity. Julie said:
“Vet bills are expensive and our dogs have worked hard in their service lives. It’s a relief to have support – but there should be more permanent, Government-backed help in place.”
Support the petition
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation’s petition is now live and seeks to secure ring-fenced Government funding to ensure every retired police dog has access to a basic level of support – so no handler or owner is left carrying the cost alone.
For more information or to sign the petition, visit Thin Blue Paw Foundation.