Shelter to Search

Category 5 K9 works with shelters, rescues, and owners to identify dogs that have the potential to become working canines. Category 5 K9 works with these dogs to find a job they will excel at, whether that is search and rescue, narcotics detection, or service work.

chocolate lab name Poe

FAQs

  • We can help! Jump over to the Screen a Dog page to find instructions on how to complete our initial assessments. Once you have completed those we can discuss options to find your dog the perfect job.

  • At Category 5 K9 we think it’s important to help dogs in shelters and rescues find jobs that would suit them. Many times dogs that have potential as working dogs do not make good family pets. These dogs are often adopted and returned to the shelter or re-homed multiple times. Our screening process is designed to help rescue and shelter staff and volunteers find dogs that may be good candidates for our program.

    Category 5 K9 accepts dogs who are:

    • Approximately 9 months to 2yrs old,

    • Any breed but 25lbs or larger,

    • Confident and environmentally sound,

    • With no aggression issues,

    • And obsessed with toys.

  • Category 5 K9 accepts all breeds and mixed breeds that are 25lbs or larger.

  • The average Shelter to Search program dog stays with us for 2 to 4 months while they improve their fitness and get evaluated in many environments before we determine what kind of job they would excel in.

  • Dogs that show potential for search work can be adopted by handlers, departments or detection programs, or training organizations.

    Dogs that washout of our Shelter to Search program are available for adoption to pet homes.

Adopt a Dog

Category 5 K9 strives to find working homes for rescue dogs that have the right drives and temperament. When a working candidate becomes available approved adopters are contacted first before they are listed as available to other placement. We encourage interested adopters apply in advance so they can be contacted when a dog that may fit their requirements becomes available. Dogs that washout of the Shelter to Search program are available for adoption by the general public.

What you need to know:

  • Canine handlers, departments, and training organizations can apply to adopt working candidates

  • All dogs are screened for food and toy drive, temperament, and environmental stability at multiple locations with different people

  • Approved adopters may request additional videos and time to screen dogs in person

  • Most available dogs are rescues or owner surrenders with unknown pedigrees and backgrounds

  • Available dogs are provided treatment for any existing medical conditions prior to adoption

  • Prior training (if any) varies for each dog

  • Adoption fees vary for each dog

Handler Application

Handler applying to adopt a working dog candidate as their personal canine partner use this form.

Apply

Department Application

Departments and private organizations use this form to apply to adopt working dog candidates.

Apply

Washout Application

Adoption application for dogs that have been washed out of the Shelter to Search Program.

Apply

The Shelter to Search Program has been a recipient of the Petco Love Helping Heroes Grant for the last three years!