Kids Best Friends
Dogs and Handlers

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Our Dogs and Handlers

The partnership between humans and dogs dates back to the beginning of recorded time. Cave paintings depict dogs protecting their humans. Not only do dogs prove to be incredible allies in war and public service, but they are also invaluable service and support animals, and loyal loving pet companions to so many of us across the globe. Dogs are unifiers and have proven that we can rely on them to protect us and support us therapeutically.

At Kids Best Friends, we take this symbiotic relationship and apply it in the most important way with the realities of today; protecting and supporting kids in school. Our handlers are former military service men and women who have undergone extensive background checks and training and are committed to their continued service of our country with this most honorable calling of protecting our children at school.

We strongly believe in the partnership between our dogs and handlers. Not only will our dogs change the lives of the children they protect, but they will also form a deeply meaningful, lifelong bond and working relationship with their handlers.

Kids Best Friends working dog

Our Dogs

Fully trained and CGC (Canine Good Citizen) accredited dual-purpose (detection and apprehension) working dogs.

Our dogs are socialized, steadfast, extremely confident, and impeccably trained in multiple skill sets by the best trainers in the country. They excel and thrive in this environment of community service, detection and protection, and personal sacrifice.

At Kids Best Friends, our security team hand-selects our school safety dogs based on rigorous criteria essential for this crucial role, including:

  • Excellent obedience

  • Unsurpassed sociability and dependability

  • Bravery and confidence to decipher, engage and neutralize real threats

Kids Best Friends handler and working dog

Our Handlers

Former military or law enforcement men and women with a strong security background who are highly trained, experienced, and unwaveringly capable in situations of crisis.

Our handlers have undergone comprehensive background checks and extensive training to become integral members of this mission. Each of our handlers is held to the highest standards of professionalism and excellence, and fully invested in the schools and communities they protect with their school safety dog partners. 

  • Fully vetted and background checked

  • Trauma-informed trained

  • Leadership of community preparedness through education and outreach

  • Stewardship of customized school safety protocols, daily and in crisis

  • Liaison to law enforcement

  • Friendly face and trusted community member