We use the "Hot Dog" we've never had any problem with them. The last 6 I bought though were called Cool Dog.  For a dollar more you get a high velocity fan. You can activate the fan manually or it can be set to start if the a/c fails. We've not had any problems with those either. I think I bought the Cool Dog from American Aluminum.

I've had the Criminalistic as well as the Ace K9 Hot n Pop Pro.  I have heard of a lot of recent problems with the Criminalistic systems and mine went belly up as well.  We went with Ace about 4 years ago and have had nothing but positive experiences since.  Even our mechanics commented on how helpful the tech support is (you will probably talk with John, the owner of the company).  We have had no problems with the units, nor have I heard of anyone that has.  John (as well as his wife, Becky) are great people who will do anything to help out K9 teams. 

We use the AceK9 unit.  Our trainer has recommended them and multiple units in the state use them.  They are reliable and have worked great for me.  It also comes with a door popper built in so you can release your K-9 if needed. Only downfall is that they are about $900-1000.  I would re-approach your dept.  It is a small investment to buy to maintain a large investment!  Can't believe they wouldn't protect a multi thousand dollar dog.  Maybe go to local businesses and see if they would donate money to help you to offset the cost.  Good Luck

K9Deuce says ...

I've had the Criminalistic as well as the Ace K9 Hot n Pop Pro.  I have heard of a lot of recent problems with the Criminalistic systems and mine went belly up as well.  We went with Ace about 4 years ago and have had nothing but positive experiences since.  Even our mechanics commented on how helpful the tech support is (you will probably talk with John, the owner of the company).  We have had no problems with the units, nor have I heard of anyone that has.  John (as well as his wife, Becky) are great people who will do anything to help out K9 teams. 

I also recommend any AceK9 product.  John and Becky are great supporters of the K9 world.  It's nice to see the owners out there promoting and backing their product.  They are the "Richard Davis" (inventor of modern police body armor) of K9 heat alarms.