The Broward Sheriff's Office maintains canine (K-9) teams that assist deputies in a variety of law enforcement situations. Assigned to several department within the agency, canine teams are trained for a particular objective with extensive training prior to any operation and continuous weekly training to maintain the highest level of efficiency. Teams are generally assigned to specific locations but are used throughout the county as situations warrant.

Assigned to the Department of Preparedness and Response, Patrol Canine teams are assigned throughout the county and are called upon to locate fleeing and or hiding suspects. Patrol Canine teams are trained in the areas of tracking, area searches, article searches, as well as other capacities where dogs and their handlers can provide unique assistance to a patrol deputy.

Our canine unit also serves the residence of Broward County through our Bloodhound unit. The Bloodhound unit is call upon when law enforcement personnel require assistance with locating missing and or endangered persons. The Bloodhound unit is also the only unit within the agency that serves dual purpose as a Therapy dog. When a person finds themselves in a crisis, the Bloodhound unit will be called to assist that person in need.

The canine team assigned to the Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood International Airport is used to identify explosive devices or materials and BSO's Bomb Squad uses canines to assist deputies and technicians in hazardous situations.

The canine teams assigned to the Special Investigation Division specialize locating narcotics, money, as well as firearms.