K9 Wipe Decon Method

It is critical that we protect our dogs from the many types of hazards they may encounter in the different environments they search. With many of the different hazards invisible to the naked eye, decontamination must be a part of every handler's end of work cycle practice.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Before diving in to your decon process, make sure you and anyone assisting you have basic PPE (or appropriate PPE for the level of hazard). At a minimum this should include eye protection, gloves, and a long sleeve shirt.

Wipe Decon Protocol

1. Starting on the back of the dog, use 1 wipe per swipe moving with the direction of the dog's coat.
2. Carefully clean the dog's face, paying close attention to crevices around the ears and mouth.
3. Wipe the legs, using one wipe per swipe, starting at the top and working down including the top of the paw. Use a fresh wipe to clean the underside of each paw, taking care to articulate each toe so you can clean in between.
4. Rinse the entire dog by repeating the wipe process with towels saturated with water. 

Download the K9 Field Decon Wipe Protocol. We recommend keeping a copy in your gear so you have it for quick reference whenever you are out on a call.