VREC is proud to support service dogs who protect our community.
K9 Units consist of a handler and highly-trained dog who work together to consistently perform extremely precise tasks. Examples of K9 work include: detecting illegal substances; sniffing out explosives; criminal apprehension; working arson investigations to identify chemical accelerants; identifying individuals in contact with illicit substances; and tracking missing persons.
A police dog is teamed with a human handler, oftentimes living with them. This not only deepens the human-canine bond, but it helps to ensure the dog remains friendly and sociable around people. Just as a family bonds with their pet, a trained canine and his/her handler build a unique relationship that allows them to work as an effective, cohesive unit.
Scranton Police Department’s Officer Marino with K9 Mason 
Scott Township Police Department’s K9 Nika 
Scranton Police Department’s K9 Ember 
Members of Scranton Police Department & K9 Unit
Because of their more sophisticated roles in day-to-day police work, K9 dogs undergo intense and rigorous training, oftentimes more so than their handler. With such specific work comes a host of individual dangers and potentially treacherous situations. K9 Units put themselves in dangerous circumstances and are at a higher risk for harm to keep our communities safe.
VREC understands the importance of the human-canine bond and is proud to provide 24/7 emergency and advanced care to all of the regional K9 Units. To thank the brave men and women keeping our communities safe, emergency and referral care for K9 dogs is provided at no cost. In addition, care for an officer’s personal pets is offered at a 50% discount. Please contact 570-587-7777 for more details.