Keeping Border Patrol dogs safe in the heat

Yuma Sector Border Patrol Agents hope to educate the community by explaining how they prioritize the safety and well-being of their Canine units.

Border Patrol Agent Mark Sims said he’s been the Canine Coordinator for Yuma Sector over the last two years.

Sims said he oversees the safety of sixty Canine teams.

“You actually take care of [the dogs] on your time off,” Sims said. “So that helps create a bond that helps the working relationship.”

Since agents spend most of their time with their dogs, the well-being of each and every one of them is paramount.

“We are hypersensitive about our dogs being overheated,” Sims said.

Sims said agents are educated to understand the symptoms of hypothermia and heat stroke, every two weeks.

Moreover, vehicles are equipped with fail safes, air conditioners and water.

“At the checkpoint, there is carpet for them to walk on,” Sims said.

“There’s a dunk tank there for us to drop the dogs in cool water, so they’re constantly being cooled.”

Sims encourages the community to come to him with any questions about the safety of their Canine units.

“[Agents] love these dogs, no one cares for their dog more than the handler does,” Sims said. “That’s why we’re never upset when people ask us about what we’re doing to keep the dog safe.”

“We’ll answer that all day,” Sims said. “We love these dogs.”