The Ramsey County K-9 Foundation began in 1983 and is a volunteer, non-profit organization. This organization provides funding for additional training and equipment.

The K-9 Foundation hosts fundraising events throughout the year to assist the Canine Unit with much needed items, such as:

• Car sensors. This much needed safety equipment allows the officer to open the squad car door automatically so that the dog can safely exit the car and assist the officer with tracking and/or apprehending suspects.
   
• Canines. The Canine Unit purchases dogs from a specific breeder that raises dogs for strong prey drive and great temperament--two musts for a great canine partner.
   
• Heat sensors. These sensors alert the officer if the air conditioning is no longer working in a squad car. This allows the officer to get the dog out of the car so that the dog is not exposed to extreme heat.
   
• Safety Cages. The canine partners ride in the back seat of a squad car. The squad cars for Canine Unit officers have a special metal cage that protects the dog in the event of a car accident.
   
• Officer Cards. At demonstrations and community events, officers hand out cards that feature a photo of themselves and their canine partners and story about themselves.