WASHINGTON, DC - Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Mike Quigley (IL-5) announced they have introduced the Honoring Our K9 Heroes Act, bipartisan legislation establishing a first-of-its-kind federal grant program to expand access to critical veterinary care for retired federal and military working dogs.
More than 5,500 K9s serve federal agencies across the nation—working on the frontlines to detect explosives, intercept narcotics, protect national security assets, and perform life-saving search and rescue operations. These dogs serve with unmatched courage and dedication, but after years of physically demanding work, they often retire with complex medical conditions. Today, the full burden of their care falls on their handlers.
The Honoring Our K9 Heroes Act authorizes $1 million in grant funding through 2029, administered by the Department of Homeland Security—the largest federal employer of working dogs. The grants will support nonprofit organizations that provide veterinary care to retired federal and military K9s, helping relieve the financial burden on handlers and ensuring these animals receive the care they’ve earned.
“Our working K9s have played an irreplaceable role in defending our nation—from detecting threats to saving lives. As Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus, I believe we have a moral and national obligation to care for these animals in retirement, just as they cared for us in service. This bipartisan legislation ensures that responsibility is met with real federal support, easing the burden on handlers and empowering the nonprofits doing this vital work,” said Fitzpatrick.
“Every day, we force federal working and military dogs to make sacrifices for our country that result in long lasting harm to their quality of life and exorbitant veterinary fees for their handlers. The federal government has a responsibility to support their care long after they are retired from service,” said Quigley. “The Honoring our K9 Heroes Act will ease the cost burden for owners and provide life-saving care for our hero dogs. After man’s best friend spends years keeping us safe, we must honor their sacrifice and provide a helping paw.”
"The main goal, and the reason we created K9 Hurricanes Heroes, is to take all the heavy lifting off of the handlers and ensure these K9s receive the best medical care. Our nonprofit has everything established so once the donations or grants are received it's a seamless process for the retired working K9 heroes' medical bills to be paid without the handler having to front any expenses out of pocket" Marshall Mirarchi, Founder of K9 Hurricane's Heroes 501c3
"Providing medical care to these canine heroes is not only a patriotic duty but one of human compassion. Their service like all those that protect America should never be forgotten,” said Kathryn Coyne, Chief Executive Officer at The Animal Medical Center of New York
“Retired working dogs have bravely served our communities, often at great personal risk. Ensuring they receive comprehensive medical care in retirement is not just our duty but a testament to our gratitude for their unwavering service and sacrifice,” said Nick White - U.S. Marine Veteran (Fallujah), Former U.S. Secret Service, & Celebrity Dog Trainer.
“The sacrifice police canines give to their partners and agency is unprecedented. Continuing health coverage after retirement is a way for us to give back to them," said Former USSS ERT Canine Supervisor, Special Agent Jonathan Stewart.
“The mission statement of the Department of Veterans Affairs is ‘to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.’ Our K9 veterans deserve that same level of care, to honor their service to our country,” said Dr. Matthew W. Brunke, DVM, CCAT, CVPP, CVA, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy Fellow, Veterinary Referral “As a veterinary specialist, I have treated many retired federal canines for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions that come with the rigors of their job and service. To care for these dogs is a privilege and honor but it should not be on the handler alone to pay for that care."
Background:
Working Federal and Military dogs often endure significant physical and mental strain during their service, resulting in serious injuries and their quality of life. Upon retirement, these dogs typically become the responsibility of their handlers, who must bear the increasing costs of their medical care alone. Without the support of organizations like K9 Hurricane’s Heroes, many working dog heroes would go without the essential care they need and deserve. As the demand for such support grows, these organizations face multiple challenges in meeting capacity needs. After years of dedicated service, these working dogs deserve to enjoy long and fulfilling retirements simply as beloved pets.