Charity ensures North Wales’ police dogs retire with care

Paws Off Duty, a North Wales charity, is helping retired police dogs enjoy a well-deserved rest after their years of service.

Founded in 2015, Paws Off Duty provides financial support for the medical and everyday needs of retired police dogs, who typically leave active duty between the ages of 7 and 10.

The charity helps cover costs such as vaccinations, veterinary treatments, and even end-of-life care, ensuring these loyal animals are well cared for during their retirement.

On 11 December, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin visited the charity’s founder, alongside staff from North Wales Police’s Dogs Unit.

During the visit, the PCC met retired police dogs supported by Paws Off Duty and presented a donation from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Support for unsung heroes

Police dogs, who serve under the joint North Wales Police and Cheshire Constabulary Alliance Police Dog Unit, play a critical role in tackling Serious and Organised Crime and maintaining public safety.

However, upon retirement, they receive no formal funding, leaving their handlers or new owners to shoulder the costs of their care.

The donation from the PCC aims to address this gap, offering much-needed support to the charity and the dogs it serves.

“Police dogs have dedicated their lives to serving the public, and they deserve a happy retirement, where they continue to be loved and cared for,” said Andy Dunbobbin.

“It is important to me, as PCC for North Wales, that the police dogs get the recognition they deserve and that, when they retire and put their paws up, they can still live their best life. I thank Paws Off Duty and their team for their very important work.”

How the charity operates

Paws Off Duty relies on fundraising events, donations from the public, and sales of merchandise, including its annual calendar featuring both retired and active police dogs.

These funds help with the often costly medical and daily needs of retired dogs, who remain with their handlers or are rehomed to suitable families.

Jacqueline Edwards, an OSS Alliance Police Dog Constable, praised the PCC’s contribution, saying, “The charity are extremely grateful for the kind donation received from the PCC and his team. It will hugely help with the continued, day-to-day costs of looking after our retired dogs. After all, they have dedicated their lives to looking after the North Wales public, and it’s only right we continue to look after them in their retirement.”

Community support

The charity’s work is also supported by businesses such as Farm and PetPlace, where its calendars are sold.

These partnerships help fund its mission to ensure the dogs’ post-service years are as comfortable as possible.

To learn more about Paws Off Duty and its initiatives, visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075938978722.

Calendars can be purchased online here: Alliance Police Dog Calendar 2025 – Farm & Pet Place.