MEXICO CITY: Frida the rescue dog, a labrador retriever who gained worldwide fame for her heroics after the earthquake that devastated Mexico on Sept 19, 2017, officially retired from duty Monday.

Frida, who sniffed through the rubble in her protective goggles and boots in the hours after the earthquake, was sent into doggy retirement at 10 years old in a ceremony at the canine unit of the Mexican marines.

"Our dear labrador Frida is starting a new era," said Deputy Naval Minister Eduardo Redondo.

"Frida stole the heart of all Mexico and thousands more abroad... Her bark always gave hope, and in moments of pain and uncertainty she brought relief."

Frida saved 12 people's lives across her decade-long career as a search and rescue dog, the navy said.

The emergency response efforts she took part in included earthquakes in Haiti and Ecuador in 2010 and 2016, respectively, and an explosion at the headquarters of Mexican state oil company Pemex in 2013.

Her job after the 7.1-magnitude earthquake that shook Mexico City was to look for survivors in the rubble of the Rebsamen elementary school, where 19 children and seven adults were killed.

Frida's handlers removed her famous mask and boots at the ceremony, and she received a chew toy as a symbol of her new life in retirement.

"Frida, mission accomplished, with honour," said Redondo.