CBP has named its first rescue dog, Chloe, as a Critical Incident Response Canine. This milestone marks a new chapter for the agency’s K‑9 program.
First Rescue Dog Graduates from Border Patrol Canine Academy
Chloe, a 2½‑year‑old schnauzer‑poodle mix rescued from Deming, New Mexico, was sworn in by Border Patrol Canine Academy director Stephen D. Crump on May 15. She became the academy’s first graduate in the Critical Incident Response Canine track.
The five‑week certification program trains dogs in obedience, incident response and deployment alongside their handlers. Chloe now works with Border Patrol Agent Miguel Carrillo at the Baton Rouge station, patrolling the Gulf Coast.
Adam Calderon, acting chief patrol agent for the New Orleans Sector, said Chloe’s story embodies service, resilience and compassion. Her deployment offers real‑world support to agents and families facing trauma.
The Critical Incident Response Canine Program, renamed after the May 24, 2022 Uvalde elementary school shooting, provides stress‑reduction and grief support for CBP personnel. It deploys trained dogs to assist employees, families and first responders during crisis events.
CBP began recruiting shelter dogs in late 2025, selecting Chloe after the Animal Rescue League of El Paso rescued her from a high‑kill New Mexico shelter. Founder Loretta Hyde recognized her potential and secured her spot in the academy.
Chloe’s handler cues her with “go say hi,” prompting her to comfort patients in hospitals and hospice facilities. She has already visited a deputy marshal’s funeral, offering solace to grieving families.
Carrillo emphasized that patience, purpose and a second chance made Chloe’s extraordinary work possible. She now serves those who serve the nation, delivering measurable morale boosts.
