When it comes to protecting and serving Scottsdale, the city’s police department doesn’t go it alone — they have some furry, four-legged partners helping them out.

From powerful patrol horses to sharp-nosed K-9s and comforting crisis dogs, the Scottsdale Police Department’s service animals play a key role in keeping the city safe, secure and supported. These animals are more than just part of the team — they’re trusted companions who help foster stronger connections between the department and the public.

The Mounted Unit

Operating out of WestWorld, SPD’s Mounted Unit consists of six horses who lend their strength and stature to crowd control, community events and routine patrols in places like Old Town.

Meet the team:

• Zion – a towering 14-year-old Clydesdale
• Koda – a 21-year-old Painted Quarter Horse
• Cash – a 10-year-old Percheron/Friesian
• Newt – a young 4-year-old Percheron
• Aiden – a 20-year-old Thoroughbred/Percheron

The unit is also excited to welcome two new recruits this spring: Owen, a 4-year-old Thoroughbred/Percheron, and Oakley, a 4-year-old Clydesdale/Thoroughbred. Both horses come from Asbury University in Kentucky, where students raise and train horses specifically for law enforcement work.

The K-9 Unit

Scottsdale’s K-9 Unit features six highly skilled dogs, each trained for both patrol and narcotics detection. These canine officers are experts in suspect tracking, apprehension and sniffing out illegal substances. Their presence also adds a layer of safety for officers in high-risk situations.

The team includes:

• Cache – 4-year-old black Labrador
• Kuno, Booker, and Viggo – young Belgian Malinoises in their early prime
• Logan and Rocco – experienced 6-year-old Belgian Malinoises

In March, Rocco was injured during an officer-involved shooting while assisting with a suspect apprehension. He received emergency veterinary care and recovered at home. Rocco was cleared by his vet and has returned to duty — proving these K-9s are as brave as they are loyal.

School Resource K-9s

SPD also deploys a trio of crisis comfort dogs as part of the School Resource Officer Unit. These pups aren’t sniffing out drugs or chasing suspects — they’re helping students navigate stress, anxiety and emotional challenges.

• Rocket – 6-year-old golden retriever at Chaparral High School
• Cooper – 3-year-old red goldendoodle at Mohave Middle School
• Captain – 4-year-old goldendoodle at Coronado High

Whether they’re lying across a student to provide calming pressure or offering a comforting cuddle, these dogs are building trust and creating safe spaces on campus.

Crisis Response

When traumatic events strike, Fender — a 2-year-old golden retriever with the Police Crisis Intervention Service (PCIS) — is there to help. Fender provides immediate emotional support to victims, witnesses, or anyone experiencing distress at a crime scene.

Founded in 1975, PCIS has six trained crisis intervention specialists and now, a furry face who can sit quietly beside someone in need or offer a gentle hug — proving that sometimes the best medicine has a wagging tail.

Scottsdale’s service animals are more than just police tools — they help make Scottsdale safer, one paw (or hoof) at a time.