MANILA, Philippines — After years of dedicated service on the frontlines of the country’s anti-illegal drug campaign, nine canine heroes are officially hanging up their vests. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is looking for loving “forever homes” for its newly retired Narcotic Detection Dogs (NDDs).
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez announced that the retirement is part of the agency’s commitment to ensuring the welfare, dignity, and comfort of these animals after their intense public service.
The batch of nine highly trained service dogs has an overall average age of 12 years. Over their careers, they have been instrumental in interdiction operations, checkpoint monitoring, search-and-seizure missions, and facility inspections nationwide.
The group represents a mix of distinct breeds known for their sharp work ethic and intelligence:
[ THE RETIRED PDEA K9 ROSTER ]
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[ 5 BELGIAN MALINOIS ] [ 3 JACK RUSSELL TERRIERS ] [ 1 LABRADOR RETRIEVER ]
• Renowned for their high energy,• Celebrated for their compact • Known for an incredible scent tracking
unmatched work ethic, and • size, agile tracking abilities, • ability combined with a notoriously
protective nature during heavy • and sharp, determined search • gentle, friendly, and family-oriented
field operations. • capabilities in tight spaces. • temperament.
A Debt of Gratitude: “These K9s have been loyal partners in our mission against illegal drugs. Their courage, discipline, and dedication have saved countless lives,” Director General Nerez stated. “We owe these dogs more than gratitude. We owe them a safe, peaceful, and loving forever home where they can enjoy their remaining years in comfort.”
Because the high-stakes, fast-paced environment of the PDEA K9 Unit facility is not ideal for aging working dogs, the agency is prioritizing a smooth transition into stress-free civilian life.
Interested families must navigate a multi-stage screening process to ensure a proper match:
[ THE PDEA WORKING DOG ADOPTION PROTOCOL ] │ ▼[ Step 1: Submission ] ──► Applicants must fill out an official application checklist and submit required documentary proof showing they have the space and resources to care for an older dog. │ ▼[ Step 2: Screening ] ──► The agency will verify the paperwork and schedule either an in-person or online interview to evaluate the adopter's capability, compassion, and home environment. │ ▼[ Step 3: Match & Tour ]──► Once cleared, qualified adopters will be matched with a specific dog, followed by formal turnover rites. PDEA will conduct regular post-adoption check-ins to monitor their well-being.
Detailed behavioral and medical profiles for each of the nine retired K9s will be shared across major print newspapers and published directly on the agency’s official Facebook page, “Topstories.”
Interested individuals can file their application documents or send inquiries through the following official channels:
- Email Portals:
pdeak9adoption@gmail.com - In-Person Submissions: PDEA K9 Unit Facility, Sitio Lambakin, Barangay Sto. Cristo, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.