UPK-9 is a proud service disabled veteran-owned establishment, founded in 2017, rooted deeply in the ethos of service, commitment, and excellence. Born out of the need for specialized K-9 security solutions, we offer K-9 services tailored to fit into any security framework, be it a bustling commercial enterprise or a serene residential community.

Our utmost priority is the enduring safety and smooth functionality of our esteemed clients and the communities they represent. Every K-9 unit we deploy is the culmination of a meticulous procurement process, ensuring only the most adept dogs are chosen. But our dedication doesn’t stop there; each K-9 is paired with a handler specifically chosen for their unique skill set and compatibility.

At UPK-9, our mission is straightforward: to offer unparalleled customer service fortified by the impeccable standards of our K-9 teams, ensuring a security experience that’s both effective and reliable.

UPK-9 boasts a team of handlers whose combined expertise spans over half a century in K-9 training and handling. Their professional journey is adorned with a plethora of certifications and elite training experiences. Graduating from the Department of Defense Military Working Dog handlers course is a significant milestone, but it’s just one of many. Their knowledge base has been further solidified at the esteemed TSA Canine Training Center in Texas, where specialized training regimes push both handler and canine to their optimal capabilities.

In addition to these formal trainings, our handlers have achieved the rigorous Department of State Dog Team Certification and have successfully navigated numerous private sector dog handling courses, further amplifying their skillset. But experience isn’t merely about courses and certifications; it’s about real-world application. Many UPK-9 handlers have been on the frontline, assisting military personnel in combat zones, where the stakes are the highest, and every move determines life or death. Closer to home, they’ve been instrumental in community policing, partnering with local police departments to maintain law and order, ensuring that safety isn’t just an overseas mission but a local commitment.  This blend of rigorous training and hands-on experience ensures that UPK-9 handlers are unparalleled in their field, ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

At UPK-9, maintaining an exceptional standard of K-9 proficiency is paramount. To ensure our dog teams consistently meet the rigorous demands of their duties, we have institutionalized quarterly validation assessments. These evaluations meticulously examine each dog team’s adherence to our benchmarked proficiency metrics, comprehensive training regimens, and utilization standards. Such regular assessments ensure our K-9 units are always prepared to handle any situation with maximum effectiveness.

Annual Certification Process
Integrity and reliability form the backbone of UPK-9’s services. To guarantee these principles are uncompromised, all our dog teams undergo a rigorous certification process annually. This isn’t an internal assessment; it’s conducted by independent, 3rd-party certifying officials who are industry-recognized. Their unbiased evaluations ensure our teams not only meet but often surpass the industry standards.

Training with High Explosives
Real-world scenarios demand real-world preparation. For this reason, UPK-9 is committed to training using high explosives, ensuring our K-9 units are familiarized with authentic explosives and not merely simulated ones. This pivotal aspect of our training regimen sets us apart and guarantees precision in detection. Moreover, we believe in community collaboration; hence, our teams frequently engage in joint training exercises with local law enforcement agencies. This strengthens our ties with the community and enhances the collective capability to ensure public safety.