Whether they are apprehending suspected criminals, detecting narcotics or explosives, recovering evidence, or saving lives, the VPD’s 16 Police Service Dogs (PSD) respond to over 8,000 calls per year. With the help of our generous donors, the Vancouver Police Foundation is proud to support the VPD Canine Unit by providing funding that allows them to access Canada’s most advanced training opportunities, facilities, and safety equipment that are otherwise outside the VPD’s annual operating budget.
PSD Santi was born on October 20, 2020 in the Czech Republic and is one of the younger members of the VPD Canine Unit. In honour of the new PSD Santi adoption kit, we spoke with Santi’s handler, Canine Unit Sergeant Sam Primerano, to learn more about PSD Santi and their special relationship.
In honour of Santi’s 4th birthday, we are excited to add a brand new VPD Police Service Dog to our Symbolic Adoption program – PSD Santi!
How long have you been with the VPD and what unit(s) were you in previous to Canine?
“I started my policing career in 1997 with the West Vancouver Police and then came to Vancouver and joined the VPD in 2001. My career at the VPD has included patrol, Strike Force, the Canine Unit previously as a Constable, and then back to the Canine Unit as a Sergeant.”
What was the initial training process like for you and Santi when you joined the Unit?
“The VPD acquired PSD Santi in the summer of 2022 and then he and I started training together in September of that year. We spent 16 weeks training across the Lower Mainland with three other VPD handlers and their dogs. Santi graduated from ‘police puppy school’ on December 30, 2022.”
What is one of the most memorable calls you and Santi have attended?
“One of the most intense calls we attended was a bank robbery that occurred on Hastings Street. The suspect has taken the GPS pack when he robbed the bank and it was tracking to a yard a few blocks away. I arrived on scene with PSD Santi and we began the search. The suspect was hiding behind a chimney stack and as we got close he pulled out a gun and pointed it at me. I released the leash and Santi tackled him to the ground, knocking the gun out of his hand. He was arrested without me or Santi being injured.”
Do you have any other family pets at home and how is the dynamic between them and Santi?
“I have a wife and two daughters at home with no other pets currently. Santi loves hanging out with the family. He loves to follow my wife around the yard or lay by the couch with the girls.”
What do your daughters think about living with a police K9?
“When my daughters were 4 and 5 years old, my first dog police canine Lupo came to live with us. At that time, the VPD used to raise the PSDs as puppies so Lupo came to live with us when he was only 10 weeks old. The girls grew up around Lupo and were there when he went to police puppy school and became a police dog. So they have had police dogs around them for most of their lives.”
Describe what it is like for Santi when he switches to “work mode” vs “family mode” and vice-versa.
“Santi is very relaxed and likes to just hang out around the yard or in the house when he is in family mode. He also loves going for walks. When we get to work and arrive at the VPD kennels, he starts to whine with excitement. He really does love coming to work.”
What does Santi enjoy doing on his days-off? And does he have any personality quirks?
“Santi loves long walks, hanging out in the yard or in the house. One big quirk he has is that he always needs a kong around.”
PSD Santi Symbolic Adoption Kits are NOW AVAILABLE!
Canine adoption kits make great gifts for your friends and family! And the best part? All proceeds from the symbolic adoptions directly support the Vancouver Police Foundation, helping make Vancouver safer for al
PSD Santi and Sgt. Primerano are featured in the 2025 VPD Canine Calendar, on sale now. All proceeds support BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Get your paws on one here!
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
