# Support Our Military Working Dogs Act

This bill makes sure that military working dogs who retire from service get proper veterinary care paid for by the Department of Defense. Military working dogs serve in combat zones and other dangerous situations, just like soldiers do, but when they retire, there hasn't been a clear system to cover their medical expenses. This bill fixes that by requiring the military to provide or pay for veterinary care for these retired dogs for the rest of their lives.

The bill also allows the military to accept donations and gifts from the public to help fund this care. Veterans organizations and nonprofits can partner with the Department of Defense to collect money specifically for retired military working dogs' healthcare. This means people who want to support these animals have an official way to contribute. Additionally, the bill makes adoption of retired military working dogs completely free—people who adopt these dogs won't have to pay any fees, making it easier for them to find good homes.

The bill also includes a technical change to make sure military working dogs are included in military medical research programs. This means that when the military studies injuries and health problems that affect soldiers in combat, they'll also study similar issues in military working dogs, which could help improve care for both. Essentially, this legislation recognizes that military working dogs are valued members of the armed forces and deserve the same commitment to their wellbeing after retirement that we provide to human service members.

Support Our Military Working Dogs Act

Garamendi, John

Support Our Military Working Dogs Act This bill addresses provisions regarding the care and study of military working dogs. First, the bill authorizes the Department of Defense (DOD) to accept donations for the purpose of providing long-term care for retired military working dogs that have been adopted. The bill authorizes DOD to enter into a multi-year agreement with a veterans service organization or nonprofit entity to solicit, accept, and transfer funds to provide long-term care for adopted military working dogs. The bill prohibits charging a fee for the adoption of a military animal. The bill updates the duties of the Joint Trauma Education and Training Directorate. Specifically, the bill requires the directorate to develop a comprehensive trauma care registry with respect to military working dogs. Additionally, the directorate must inform and advise the conduct of research on the leading causes of morbidity and mortality of military working dogs in combat. Finally, DOD must establish a personnel management plan for veterinary care.