Ninja's Trust was founded following the death of Australian Federal Police Service Dog, Ninja. In honour of Ninja's service and built on a passion to improve the health and welfare of retired police dogs, Ninja's Trust was created to defend, honour and heal retired police dogs from across Australia. 

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Police dogs primarily retire because of age. These highly intelligent and well-trained dogs work throughout their lives in training and in active service. By age 7 or 8 they are ready to retire; typically adopted by their handlers or other service members. Retired police dogs do not receive financial support or a pension in their retirement, meaning the responsibility for their care and vet bills fall solely to their ex-handler or new owner.

 

Their handlers have developed a significant and unique bond with their service dogs and would do anything to support them. However, after a lengthy period, 'working' vet bills are inevitable and expensive. Due to the nature of their service and the courageous acts they perform, it is difficult to insure them. 

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While police dogs are incredibly well-trained, the stress of their service can have unintended consequences, including separation anxiety and depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. They often require additional training in retirement or even re-socialisation.