Running a K‑9 unit means you’re already working with tight quarters. Your four-legged partner needs a safe, comfortable kennel that takes up a good chunk of your vehicle’s rear space, and that’s non-negotiable. But here’s the reality: You’ve still got weapons to secure, evidence to protect, and gear to organize, all without turning your rig into a cramped mess or compromising anyone’s safety.
The good news? With the right police K-9 equipment for vehicle storage (think customized inserts, locking drawers, and slideout platforms), you can make every square inch count. Let’s walk through how to build a setup that serves both your operational needs and your partner’s welfare.
Once you’ve bolted in a proper K‑9 cage, you’re looking at what’s left. In most SUVs and trucks, K-9 cages for police vehicles claim a solid amount of the cargo area or rear cabin. Depending on the size of your dog and whether you’re running a single or dual-dog unit, that kennel might stretch from just behind the front seats clear back to the tailgate.
What remains is usually the space beneath the kennel, narrow side channels, and whatever floor area isn’t blocked by the cage structure itself. If your vehicle doubles as prisoner transport, you’re juggling even more constraints: prisoner barriers, safety partitions, and secure seating all compete for real estate.
The trick with police K-9 inserts is planning your layout around both the dog’s comfort and your need to reach critical gear fast when the call comes in.
Weapon storage in K‑9 vehicles requires a balance: secure enough to meet department policy and accessible enough that you’re not fumbling with locks in a high-pressure moment. Compact locking drawers are your friend here, and they can be mounted in several spots depending on your vehicle’s layout.
Underneath the kennel is prime territory if your cage sits high enough off the floor. Low-profile drawers tucked in this space can hold handguns, tasers, or even a patrol rifle broken down. To the side of the kennel, you might fit narrow pull-out drawers that hug the wheel wells or interior panels. If your setup allows, rear slideout drawers that extend past the tailgate give you full access without crawling into the vehicle.
When it comes to hardware, you’ve got choices. Paddle latches are solid for rapid access. One flip and you’re in. Slam-locks are even faster if you’re constantly opening and closing drawers; they latch automatically when you push them shut. Either way, the goal is to keep weapons and dog gear in distinct zones so there’s no confusion, no cross-contamination, and no risk of your partner getting into something they shouldn’t.
Evidence handling in police K‑9 vehicles adds another layer of complications. You need secure, compact storage that protects the chain of custody while fitting into whatever space the kennel didn’t claim. Lockable evidence boxes with slam-latch drawers are a smart move.
Chain-of-custody integrity matters, especially when you’re transporting narcotics, paraphernalia, or biological samples. Look for drawers with durable, non-absorbent materials that can be wiped down and sanitized between uses.
Key features to look for in an evidence drawer system:
Here’s where Extendobed’s heritage really shines. Slideout platforms with 100%+ extension capability mean you can reach everything in your vehicle without climbing in or straining your back. When the drawer rolls all the way out, you’ve got full access.
These slideouts aren’t just for drawers, either. They serve as a mounting base for evidence lockers, modular accessories, and custom-designed police K-9 inserts. You can build a rear slideout system that sits beneath the kennel and extends past the tailgate, giving you a stable platform to work from. Some handlers even run dual-direction slides for side access, which is clutch when you’re parked in tight spots or working on uneven ground.
The beauty of a good slideout is simple: It brings the work to you instead of making you go hunting for it.
Your dog’s riding right there in the back, which means every choice you make about storage affects their comfort and safety. Noisy latches, rattling hardware, and vibrating drawers can stress a dog out over time. That’s why selecting quiet latching mechanisms and smooth-sliding hardware matters more than you might think.
Cross-contamination is another serious concern. You don’t want your partner’s PPE stored anywhere near seized narcotics or firearms. Working dogs have incredibly sensitive noses, and even trace amounts of certain substances can cause issues. Plus, volatile materials stored near air vents or kennel walls can pose a health hazard for your dog.
Thermal considerations matter too. Drawers mounted directly against kennel walls can trap heat or block airflow, which is the last thing you need on a summer day when your partner’s already dealing with their own body heat and a fur coat.
Tips for separating canine gear from evidence and firearms:
K‑9 operations change. Maybe you’re assigned a second dog. Maybe your department shifts to dual-purpose vehicles that handle both K‑9 and patrol duties. Maybe new tech comes along, and you need to make room without tearing apart your entire setup.
That’s where modular design pays off. Removable bins, adjustable drawers, and platforms that can be configured in different ways that give you flexibility on the job. You’re not locked into one layout forever. When policy changes or your assignment shifts, you can adapt your police K-9 vehicles without starting from scratch.
Planning for future upgrades to your police K-9 vehicle inserts means building smart from the start. Think of your vehicle as a working platform, not a fixed installation.
It depends on your vehicle and kennel size, but most handlers find they’ve got 30-40% of the original cargo space left after a proper cage goes in. This space includes under-kennel areas, side channels, and sometimes a narrow strip behind the rear seats. The key is using vertical space and smart mounting solutions to maximize what remains.
Yes, though specifics vary by state, department, and jurisdiction. Check with your department’s legal advisor or a qualified legal professional.
Secure locks with keyed or combination entry are baseline. Look for drawers with tamper-evident seals or features, internal partitions to prevent cross-contamination, and materials that won’t absorb liquids or odors. Documentation logs attached to drawer systems can help, though many departments now use digital tracking.
Absolutely. Extendobed’s slideout systems are built to fit a wide range of vehicles, including older models already outfitted with K-9 cages for police vehicles. The key is working with a partner who understands what law enforcement professionals need and can custom-fit hardware to your existing setup.
Getting police K-9 equipment for vehicle storage right isn’t about cramming more stuff into less space. It’s about building a system that respects your partner’s welfare while giving you the organization and security you need to do the job well.
The departments that get this right don’t settle for off-the-shelf solutions that almost work. They invest in modular, law-enforcement-grade storage designed specifically for the unique demands of K‑9 operations.
Since 1987, Extendobed has built slideout storage systems that deliver all three. Contact us to configure the perfect setup for your K-9 vehicle today.