August 14, 2024

(Las Vegas, NV)- The Tybee Island Police Department was honored for its “K9 For A Day” program at the renowned “SuperZoo” convention in Las Vegas.

In January 2020, the Tybee Island Police Department entered into a partnership with the Humane Society for Greater Savannah over a program called “K9 For A Day”. Since that time, sixty-seven shelter animals have joined Tybee police officers on patrol in order to exercise, socialize, and increase their chances for adoption. To date, participants have included fifty-six dogs, ten cats, and surprisingly, one rabbit. Along the way the venture has helped to strengthen the department’s bond with their community and led to the adoption of Tybee’s popular Public Relations K9, “Rocky”.

Last night, Captain Emory Randolph was honored to be on hand at the pet industry’s “SuperZoo” convention in Las Vegas, to accept the “Pet-Inclusive Infrastructure” award on behalf of the agency. This award, bestowed by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), recognizes individuals, companies, and organizations doing innovative work to enhance the human-animal bond.

“HABRI is honored to recognize the Tybee Island Police Department’s K9 For a Day program as the Pet-Inclusive Infrastructure award recipient of this year’s Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards,” said Steve Feldman, President, HABRI. “The program celebrates a community partnership while serving as an example for other law enforcement agencies and animal welfare organizations in need of creative ideas to help shelter animals find homes.”

The Tybee Island Police Department would like to thank HABRI, and the Silver Comet Animal Welfare Alliance, for nominating the agency for this award. They would also like to thank the Innovation Award sponsors, to include PetSmart Charities, Purina, Zoetis, and the World Pet Association.

Last, and most importantly, special thanks go to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, and the amazing residents and guests who make up The Coastal Empire community. None of this would have been possible without you.