Title
Placement of Facility Therapy Canines from The Fetch Foundation (Ordinance S-51026)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into contracts with The Fetch Foundation to place facility therapy canines with the Phoenix Police Department. Each canine will be paired with a trained canine handler and used in the Phoenix Police Department to assist with employee wellness.
Report
Summary
The Fetch Foundation (Fetch) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works closely with animal rescue organizations and shelters to identify canines that have the potential to be trained to become search and service canines or therapy canines. The Fetch's Homeless to Heroes program takes homeless shelter canines and repurposes them to work in situations appropriate to their abilities. Fetch has thoroughly assessed the canines for temperament and ability to provide therapy services to employees of Phoenix Police Department (PPD), or anyone who may come into contact with the canine during the performance of these services.
In support of PPD’s ongoing commitment to employee wellness, Police staff partnered with Fetch to provide trained facility canines to be placed at various locations within the PPD, paired with trained canine handlers who are Department employees. Canines with their assigned handler receive 35 hours training both off-site and on-site. The facility therapy canines help alleviate the pressures and emotional stresses the law enforcement job can have on employees. PPD previously received facility canines from Fetch that were placed with trained canine handlers and provided benefits to employees dealing with high stress and traumatic incidents. Several of these canines have since been retired. Due to the success of this program, PPD would like Fetch to place additional canines in other areas of the Department.
Contract Term
Upon execution of each contract, the canine’s care will be the responsibility of the City. Fetch will retain ownership of the canine and regularly assess the canine’s ability to work in the PPD. For as long as the City desires, Fetch will replace canines that reach the end of their service life and replace them with other trained and assessed facility therapy canines paired with trained canine handlers.
Financial Impact
Minimal annual maintenance costs will be required for food, veterinary visits and miscellaneous supplies not provided by the Fetch. Funds for these expenses are available in the Police Department's budget.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.