Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative John James (MI-10) and Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Protecting America’s Working Dogs (PAW) Act. 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 partner or 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 assist with the medical expenses of federal working and 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.”

Rep. Wild also issued the following statement regarding the legislation:

“If you know me, you know my love of dogs extends far and wide. I am proud to introduce this legislation for all of America’s working dogs, and their handlers, who show up every day to keep us safe. When our federal working dogs retire, we must ensure they have access to the care and resources they need— which often includes pricey veterinary bills. The grant program we are proposing in this bill will help our canine heroes and their owners retire with peace of mind after a lifetime of service.”

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

###