see also: in September 2007 News Releases:   CBP Seizes $2.5 Million Worth of Marijuana Inside Cargo Load at Texas Entry   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Achieves Container Security Initiative Milestone with 58 Operational Ports   CBP Agriculture Team Intercepts Narcotic Plant at Newark Airport   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Collects More Than $2.2 Million in Underpaid Antidumping Duty on Chinese Shrimp   Kiosks for Frequent International Fliers Now Available At Edmonton Airport   Port of Alexandria, Egypt Participates in the CBP Container Security Initiative   Ports of Colon and Manzanillo, Panama Begin Container Security Initiative Operations ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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El Paso, Texas – CBP Border Patrol agent canine handlers are trained to know the dangers that summer heat could bring to their detector dog partners. In order to combat the extremes, careful measures are taken by the agents to insure the safety and well being of their teammates.

If the canine is not working while on shift, it is kept in a cooled aluminum kennel located inside an assigned government vehicle. Aluminum ventilated kennels are used because they are cooler than conventional metal kennels. The vehicle is left running with the air-conditioner on and the windows are also left open to help the ventilation process. As another safety measure, temperature alarm systems are equipped in all Border Patrol canine vehicles. The alarm is set between 84-85 degrees and will audibly warn the Border Patrol canine handler if the temperature inside the vehicle exceeds the set temperature.

A large water bowl with fresh water is always available in the vehicle for the canine. The canine’s feeding schedule is customized during the summer months if necessary, to avoid a heat related condition known as “stomach torsion”. Agents are always in close proximity to their canine and check them regularly.

Border Patrol handlers and their canines must adapt and acclimate to their working environment. Handlers will not work their canines for more than 20 minutes at a time, but time modifications will be made depending on weather and other factors.

Border Patrol canines are with their handler 24 hours a day. This is very beneficial because the handler is able to observe his canine’s behavior and health at all times. The handler will immediately transport their canine to the veterinarian if any strange or unusual behavior is observed.

The El Paso Sector Border Patrol Canine Program has never had a canine experience any heat stroke or heat exhaustion conditions. This is a reflection of the superb training, care and monitoring that the Border Patrol has for one of its finest assets.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.