Michigan Launches First 24/7 K-9 Airlift Service

Michigan has launched Spartan Shield, a 24/7 air-transport program to get critically ill or injured police K-9s and other public-safety working dogs to specialized veterinary care, often at Michigan State University. The program brings together MSU’s Veterinary Medical Center, North Flight Aero Med, Corewell Health and Munson Healthcare, offering an option for dogs in remote areas where local clinics may lack the resources to treat severe cases. Flight nurse paramedics can provide emergency care during transport for conditions including trauma, burns, poisoning and heat-related illness. Handlers request help through regional dispatch, which coordinates with the flight team; the initiative was prompted in part by a case in which an injured K-9 had to be transferred from a local emergency clinic to MSU.