Lower Bucks Today

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Mike Quigley (IL-5) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Honoring Our K9 Heroes Act. This legislation aims to establish a grant program for non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations to provide essential veterinary care for retired Federal and Military working dogs.

Currently, over 5,500 K9s serve federal agencies, performing tasks such as detecting explosives and narcotics and rescuing individuals in danger. These roles often lead to chronic health issues that result in high healthcare costs, which fall on their handlers after retirement.

The proposed grant program under the Department of Homeland Security will authorize $1 million through 2029 to increase access to medical care for retired working dogs via qualified non-profits. These organizations are facing mounting waitlists and escalating medical expenses nationwide.

"Our Federal and military K9 heroes have stood by our side, playing crucial roles in defending our communities and country with unparalleled loyalty and selfless dedication. This common-sense legislation marks a pivotal step in honoring their service and sacrifice by providing them with the essential veterinary care they need in retirement and alleviating the substantial financial burdens placed on their handlers,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA-1). "We must ensure our retired working dogs receive the respect, support, and care they have rightfully earned. The time is now for us to stand up and protect them, as they have stood by and protected us."

Rep. Quigley (IL-5) added, “Federal working and military dogs are forced to make sacrifices in service of our country that result in long-lasting effects on their quality of life and exorbitant veterinary fees for their handlers. As the federal government, we have a responsibility to support their care long after they hang up their badge.” He continued, “The Honoring Our K9 Heroes Act will ease the burden of these costs for owners and help provide life-saving care for our hero dogs. These dogs spent years dedicated to keeping us safe; it is time we honor their sacrifice.”

Marshall Mirarchi, Former U.S. Secret Service Special Operations K9 Handler stated, "These working K9s are heroes and should be treated as such in retirement. They have dedicated their lives to keeping us safe." He emphasized that these canines deserve this care due to their lifelong service.

Kathryn Coyne, Chief Executive Officer at The Animal Medical Center of New York remarked, "Providing medical care to these canine heroes is not only a patriotic duty but one of human compassion."

Nick White - U.S. Marine Veteran (Fallujah), Former U.S. Secret Service member & Celebrity Dog Trainer commented on the necessity of comprehensive medical care for retired working dogs as a testament to gratitude for their service.

Former USSS ERT Canine Supervisor Special Agent Jonathan Stewart highlighted that continuing health coverage after retirement is a way to give back to police canines who have given unprecedented sacrifices.

Dr.Matthew W. Brunke emphasized that K9 veterans deserve similar levels of care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs due to their significant contributions during service.

Working Federal and Military dogs endure physical and mental strain during service leading to serious injuries affecting their quality of life post-retirement. Typically becoming the responsibility of their handlers upon retirement, many face increasing medical costs alone without organizational support like K9 Hurricane’s Heroes.

Read the full text of the bill here.