Police dogs for re-homing
Dogs which require re-homing
Northumbria Police frequently have dogs which are looking for a new home. Most of the dogs we rehome have not been police trained, although we occasionally have a retired police dog available, but most are under a year old and have failed to meet the required standards of the force. Northumbria Police only re-house our dogs as pets and not for them to be used as guard dogs or for breeding purposes.
Types of dogs
While the German Shepherd is the mainstay of the Dog Section, Springer and Cocker Spaniels may also become available. Occasionally other breeds become available as well.
What is the procedure?
If you think you can give one of our dogs a new home then it is quite simple to apply.
Record of Potential Owner Interest
A potential owner contacts the kennels on 101 extension 68699.
A Kennel Attendant will record the personal details on the appropriate form.
A police officer from dog training will conduct a check of police records to assess the suitability of the potential owner.
The details will then be filed pending a suitable dog becoming available.
Potential Owner Viewing Available Dog
When a dog becomes available the potential owner will be invited to the Kennel Block at Headquarters to view and meet the dog.
If the owner wants the dog the Kennel Attendant will arrange for a police dog handler to conduct a ‘home check’ of the potential new owners’ home address prior to the dog being handed over.
Dog Homed With New Owner
Provided the initial police checks of the owner and the home address are satisfactory then the dog can be handed to the new owner.
The new owner will be advised of safety aspects dependent upon the police training and knowledge of the dogs’ temperament.
The new owner then signs to accept responsibility for ownership of the dog.
The owner provides payment in full for the dog
The owner will then be advised that if they inform the Kennel Attendant or police dog handler within one month that there is an issue with the dog which makes it unsuitable for them or their family then the force will accept return of the dog and the purchase cost will be reimbursed.
Costs
Fees for our dogs range between £100 - £600 (payments to be made by cheque only) depending on that particular dog’s pedigree and breeding and all dogs under the rehoming scheme are microchiped.
Northumbria Police are always open to the offer of dogs which may make the grade as Police dogs. We are only interested in pure breed German Shepherd, for use as general purpose police dogs, and pure breed Springer / Cocker Spaniels for specialist work.
If you have a dog which meets these requirements and has high drive and confidence (not necessarily aggression) and you would like to have it considered for the role, then please telephone 101 extension 68636 / 68699 with the details of your dog e.g. age, sex, etc. If a member of staff is unable to receive your call, please leave a message and we will get back to you.
Dogs Currently Up For Rehoming
We currently have one dog up for rehoming. Check back here for updates and information on all of our dogs that require rehoming.
Mir - £500
Mir, one of our force bred puppies is currently looking for a home. She is six months old and although a very lively and friendly dog she is too shy to become a police dog.
Mir gets on well with other dogs but can be boisterous. We would like a home with people who have large breed experience and have the time and knowledge to continue her training and socialisation.
SORRY - DENZO HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
We are looking for a quiet retirement home for seven year old male German Shepherd Dog Denzo. After spending his whole life as a working dog he has been medically retired from service due to arthritis in one of his hips meaning he is on long term anti-inflammatory medication.
Denzo is a loving and affectionate dog who gets on well with people and is very well behaved. He is friendly with most other dogs, loves to be groomed and fussed and still enjoys his walks. Due to his arthritis we would like a peaceful home for Denzo without young children but he could live with another calm dog. As Denzo has been trained as a police dog any potential new owners would need an understanding and experience of German Shepherds or similar breeds.
Denzo is a black and tan medium sized German Shepherd with a short coat, photos to follow.
SORRY - RIP HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Rip is a six year old female German Shepherd Dog who is looking for a suitable home to spend her retirement years. Rip has been a fantastic police dog for Northumbria Police but due to arthritis in one of her back hocks she has been medically retired.
Rip is a very loving dog who bonds quickly and enjoys attention. Due to her training and length of service we are looking for a particular type of home where her needs and temperament are fully understood. We are therefore looking for an adult only home where Rip is the only dog, although she has lived happily with other dogs when properly introduced she is generally unsocial with other dogs. Ideally we are looking for a rural home where she has space to exercise and can switch off from her police dog training.
Rip's arthritis has ruled out continuing her career as a police dog as the role can be very physically demanding but she can still lead an active and happy life in the right environment. She is currently on medication only when needed but the frequency could increase as she ages. Rip is from a working German Shepherd Dog background so would need to be kept mentally as well as physically occupied, ideally keeping up with her obedience training.
Rip would be free of charge to the right owners. She is neutered, microchipped and up to date with her vaccinations, worming and flea prevention.
SORRY - KIZZI HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Kizzi is a 10 month old German Shepherd bitch who is looking for a loving new home.
Kizzi is a lovely, friendly dog who gets on well with people, dogs and older children. She has bags of energy and requires a lot of stimulation.
We are looking for someone who has large breed experience and are willing to take Kizzi to training classes to continue her socialisation and training.
SORRY - LEALA HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Leala is a 9 month old female, sable coloured German Shepherd dog. She is a force bred puppy but unfortunately doesn't have enough confidence to be a police dog.
Leala is a lively puppy & will need lots of exercise & attention. She is a little nervous round strangers at first but is friendly, however we think she would be better in a home with no other dogs
We are looking for a home with no children under 10yrs old and someone who has experience of owning large breed dogs.
SORRY - LEON IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Leon is an eight month old male German Shepherd who is looking for a new home. He is a very lively excitable puppy who will need lots of exercise and attention.
He is a force bred puppy but due to his lack of confidence is not going to be suitable as a police dog.
Leon is friendly towards people and is fine around other dogs once he gets to know them. We are looking for a home with no children under 10 years of age and someone who has experience with owning large breed dogs.
SORRY - LOTTIE HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Lottie is a 7 months old Sable German Shepherd bitch and is looking for a loving new home.
Lottie is a very bouncy friendly puppy who gets on well with dogs, people and older children. Lottie would make a great family pet.
We are looking for experienced large breed owners who can continue her socialisation and training.
SORRY - FIN HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Fin is a 8 year old Cocker Spainel black dog who has been with us since he was a puppy but has now reached his retirement and is looking for a loving new home.
Fin is a very affectionate loving dog who would make a great family pet. Looking for an adult only home or a family with older children. Fin can be sociable with female dogs but not so good with male dogs.
Fin has a mild medical condition which does require daily medication but this does not effect his quality of life.
SORRY - LIZZIE HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Lizzie is a 6 month old female German Shepard who is looking for a new home. She was bred by us but unfortunatley due to medical conditions can not be used as a police dog.
Lizzie has suspected hip dysplasia and possible neurological problems that cause her to walk with a strange gait. At the moment this causes her no pain; she runs about and plays like a normal happy puppy.
The long term impact that this may have on her life is not known.
Lizzie is very lively and she loves people, other dogs and playing with toys. We are looking for someone who has cared for large breed dogs before and has no children under the age of 10.
SORRY - CAIRO HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Cairo is a black and tan male German Shepherd who is one year old.
He came to Northumbria Police through a rescue centre and although he showed potential initially he is not quite brave enough to be a police dog. Cairo still acts like a puppy and is very affectionate but he is a big dog and can be fairly boisterous and strong on his lead.
Cairo needs a home with people who understand the German Shepherd breed, without young children and who will continue his socialisation and training, we think he would make a fantastic pet.
SORRY - MAX HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Max is 15 month old male German Shepherd who was gifted to the Dog Section from a member of the public.
Like his friend Cairo, Max would also rather be a pet dog than a police dog. Max is full of fun and adores attention but he can be excitable. He loves other dogs although he can be a little over enthusiastic for some whilst playing. Again we would prefer an adult only home with people who have large breed experience who can give Max the home he deserves.
SORRY - DECO HAS NOW BEEN REHOMED
Deco is a long coated 17 month old male German Shepherd is also looking for a home.
Deco bonds quickly with people, enjoys his walks and playing with his toys. Deco is not keen on other dogs so we are looking for a home where he is the only pet with people who have experience of large breeds. Deco is a fantastic dog but would benefit from further training and would need an adult only home that would give him plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.