Narcan for K-9s: Ocala police, Marion County deputies work to protect drug-sniffing dogs

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Some law enforcement agencies in Central Florida are looking to equip police and deputies with Narcan for themselves and their K-9 partners.

“They’re potentially in harm’s way, more than even some of our officers in some cases,” said Meghan Shay of the Ocala Police Department.

Rambo is among the eight Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9s that has been trained to sniff out drugs, which has become an increasingly dangerous job as heroin and fentanyl overdoses continue to rise. A tiny amount of the drug can be fatal.

“We are absolutely concerned about these strong drugs that we’re seeing, especially fentanyl,” said Shay. “People don’t realize that dogs can actually be exposed as well, through scent or also through their paws.”

The Ocala Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s office are working to get Narcan to the K-9 officers.

“So if they are at risk of overdose, the officers will have the Narcan to administer to them,” said Shay.

The police department will use a recent donation to pay for the Narcan.

The sheriff’s office is still working to get Narcan for K-9 officers and the rest of the deputies.

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Officials say it’s a top priority.

The agencies said there have not yet been any cases of K-9s getting sick from sniffing out heroin or fentanyl.

Cox Media Group