Protecting America’s Working Dogs (PAW) Act Reintroduced to Congress

Currently, federal guidelines are murky for the fate of federal (Department of Defense, Border Patrol, Capitol Police, etc.) working dogs after they are retired. Oftentimes the retired working dog's former handler is left to foot the veterinarian costs. The medical treatment required by many former working dogs is significant enough that it creates a hardship for the individuals, often former partners, who take in these canine heroes and become responsible for their medical costs.

Specifically, the PAW Act would require the Attorney General to establish a grant program to go to eligible nonprofit organizations that assist with the medical expenses of retired working dogs or service dogs.

Rep. James issued the following statement following the introduction of the PAW Act:

"Our federal working dogs and their handlers are heroes who deserve to be taken care of after they retire. As a veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, I know these dogs save an immeasurable number of lives each and every day. The dogs and their handlers risk their own lives to keep Americans out of harm's way. Unfortunately, current regulations result in the handlers (who are often veterans or law enforcement officers themselves) becoming solely responsible for the medical costs of the retired K-9. The PAW Act will offer a critical helping hand to our heroes, both K-9 and human."

"America's working dogs serve with extraordinary courage and loyalty, often placing themselves in harm's way to protect our troops and our communities," said Kristen Maurer, President of Mission K-9 Rescue. "When their service ends, the responsibility for their medical care should not fall solely on the shoulders of the handlers and families who welcome them home. The Protecting America's Working Dogs Act ensures that these canine heroes receive the medical care they deserve in retirement."

"We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the work our heroes do - both 4-legged and 2-legged," said Carol Borden, founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. "These dogs are credited with saving innumerable lives. Many become sick or injured in the line of duty usually while saving a human. The least we can do is honor them by assisting with their health needs."

The bill is endorsed by Mission K-9 Rescue and Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.

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