Fort Collins Police K9 Draco Retires After Two-Year Career Due to Health Issues

Fort Collins Police K9 Draco has retired from active duty after serving just two years with the department, ending his career early due to an illness that prevented him from continuing police work.

Draco joined Fort Collins Police Services in 2023 and worked alongside his handler, Officer Nolan, specializing in patrol duties and narcotics detection. The department announced October 4 that the dog's illness was discovered earlier this year, making it impossible for him to maintain the demanding physical requirements of police work.

The retirement comes with assistance from the Warrior Dog Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides specialized care and placement services for retired military and law enforcement dogs. The foundation offers physical and mental rehabilitation, sanctuary care, and rehoming services specifically for retired working dogs, ensuring they receive appropriate care after their service careers end.

Early Retirement Uncommon for Police K9s

Draco's two-year service period represents a significantly shorter career than typical for police dogs. Most K9s in Colorado law enforcement serve six to nine years before retirement, with service length generally dependent on the dog's health, performance, and assignment demands.

Early retirement typically occurs due to medical issues, injury, or behavioral changes rather than normal career progression. The standard protocols ensure dogs receive proper veterinary care throughout their service, with agencies responsible for medical costs until retirement or transfer of ownership.

Police K9 programs involve substantial investments, with initial acquisition and training costs typically ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 per dog. The specialized training covers both the canine and handler, requiring ongoing certification and regular skill maintenance throughout the dog's career.

Foundation Provides Retirement Resources

The Warrior Dog Foundation, founded in 2013, specifically serves retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs, and Law Enforcement K9s requiring specialized retirement support. The organization addresses both physical injuries and canine PTSD that may develop during service careers.

Services include rehabilitation for dogs recovering from service-related conditions, permanent adoption placement for suitable candidates, and lifelong sanctuary care for dogs that cannot be safely rehomed due to behavioral, health, or temperament factors. The foundation also serves as a resource for dogs at risk of euthanasia when other retirement options are unavailable.

Law enforcement agencies access foundation services by contacting the organization directly, with applications and eligibility criteria available through their programs. Potential adopters undergo screening to ensure appropriate experience and safe home environments for retired working dogs.

Handler Partnership Emphasized in Retirement

Officer Nolan expressed appreciation for working with Draco despite the shortened career, recognizing the dog's dedication to serving the Fort Collins community. The handler-K9 partnership represents a specialized assignment within police departments, requiring additional training and daily care responsibilities beyond standard patrol duties.

Fort Collins Police Services follows standard protocols that prioritize transferring ownership of retired K9s to their primary handlers when possible. This arrangement maintains the established bond between dog and handler while relieving the department of ongoing legal and financial responsibility after retirement.

When handlers cannot retain their K9 partners, agencies seek reputable adoption programs or specialized organizations like the Warrior Dog Foundation to ensure appropriate placement and continued care for the animals.

The department thanked Draco for his service and emphasized the valuable role K9 units play in law enforcement operations throughout Northern Colorado, including patrol support and narcotics detection that enhance public safety efforts across the region.