Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Opens New Canine Training Complex

The 11,000 square-foot facility will support the training and care of HCSO's K9 teams.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:48am

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The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has announced the opening of a new 11,000 square-foot Canine Training Complex designed to provide advanced facilities and resources for the training and care of the department's K9 teams. The complex includes classrooms, secure training rooms, scent rooms, office space, and a 24-run kennel with climate-controlled indoor and outdoor areas.

Why it matters

The new training complex represents a significant investment by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to ensure its K9 units are properly equipped and prepared to serve the community. K9 teams play a critical role in law enforcement, and this facility will help deputies and their canine partners train for real-world challenges.

The details

The Canine Training Complex features a range of specialized spaces to support the training and care of HCSO's K9 teams, including classrooms, secure training aid rooms, scent rooms, and office space. The kennel area is equipped with 24 climate-controlled indoor and outdoor runs that can house up to 48 canines, and includes advanced drainage, ventilation, and sanitation systems optimized for canine care.

  • The new Canine Training Complex opened on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency for Hillsborough County, Florida, responsible for providing police services to the unincorporated areas of the county as well as several municipalities.

Sheriff Chad Chronister

The current sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, who oversees the operations of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

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What they’re saying

“Preparing our deputies and K9 teams for real-world challenges starts with how we train, and that means providing the best possible training environment. Our K9s play a critical role in protecting our community, and this investment ensures they and their handlers have the resources they need to train, perform, and stay ready to serve.”

— Sheriff Chad Chronister

The takeaway

The new Canine Training Complex represents a significant commitment by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to support and enhance the capabilities of its K9 units, which play a vital role in the department's efforts to protect and serve the local community.