Meet the UC Davis Police Department K9 Team

The K-9 program has grown significantly in recent years, now proudly featuring a diverse team of K-9s skilled not only in patrol and detection but also support for individuals with PTSD and anxiety. These remarkable animals play a crucial role in both law enforcement and community well-being, offering protection, comfort and emotional support. Together, they go beyond traditional policing to help create a safer, more compassionate environment for the UC Davis community.  

K-9 Officer Cali

Meet K-9 Officer Cali, a 14-month-old Labrador retriever. Cali was funded by donations from the Davis community, Aggie community, and the Davis Sunshine Rotary Club.

In September 2023, at only five months old, Cali started her career with the UC Davis Police Department, partnered with Officer Sotelo. After only 11 months, Cali graduated service dog training, becoming a certified Service Animal through 4 Paws 2 Freedom, an American Kennel Club certified program. Cali is a unique service dog, specializing in mental health and therapy, with special training for high-stress and PTSD episodes.

Cali’s work has been so successful at UC Davis that the UC Davis Police department was able to double the special K-9 program with K-9 Officer Leia and expand the program to other University of California police departments. Cali is a proud part of the Aggie community and enjoys spreading happiness and love!

K-9 Officer Leia 

Meet K-9 Officer Leia, a 7-month-old Bernedoodle. 

Leia is in training to become a certified service animal through 4 Paws 2 Freedom, an American Kennel Club certified program. 

In August 2024, at only 10 weeks old, Leia started working with Officer Connors at the UC Davis Police Department. Leia is a unique K-9, trained as a service dog specializing in high-stress and PTSD relief. In high-stress and PTSD situations, Leia uses several cute tactics to comfort those suffering and change their moods. 

Leia continues to make a positive impact on the Aggie community at the Davis campus and enjoys the opportunity to meet new friends.

K-9 Officer Rono

Meet K-9 Officer Rono, a 5-year-old German Shepherd from the Czech Republic.

In July 2020, Rono was officially sworn into service with the UC Davis Police Department and initially partnered with Officer Palmer until his retirement in September 2023. Since then, Rono has been partnered with Officer Lee. Trained in handler protection and explosives detection, Rono provides assistance to the Yolo County Bomb Squad and other allied protective agencies on an as-needed basis. Rono is primarily assigned to the Patrol Division at the Sacramento Medical Center Campus but can be seen conducting protective sweeps at the Davis campus and UC Davis Health campus.

Rono loves spending time with his fellow coworkers and meeting members of the community. Rono shows his affection by giving “hugs” by leaning his body on people when he says hi!