We honor the life-saving contributions of all veterans, including the military working dogs (MWDs) who courageously served our country. We help bring retired MWDs home by covering transportation and lifelong veterinary care.
What Are Military Working Dog Reunifications — and Why They’re Needed
American Humane Society’s Military Working Dog Reunification program helps retired military working dogs return home by covering transportation costs and providing lifelong veterinary care so they can reunite and be adopted by their former handlers.
Although U.S. law requires retired military working dogs to be brought back to the United States, the cost and logistics of transportation often fall on handlers, creating barriers to adoption.
Our program removes those barriers, honoring the service of these K-9 veterans and supporting a safe, dignified retirement.
Together in Service, Reunited for Life
Bring Our Heroic Military Working Dogs Home
For years, military working dogs were classified as “equipment,” often left overseas or disposed of after their service. But thanks to American Humane Society’s advocacy, Congress requires that these loyal canine heroes be brought back to U.S. soil upon retirement, with their handlers and families given the first opportunity to adopt them.
Despite this progress, many retired military working dogs face significant barriers to reuniting with their handlers. The cost and logistics of transportation often fall solely on the handlers, making these heartfelt reunions a challenge. American Humane Society is dedicated to alleviating this burden and ensuring that these brave K-9 veterans can retire with the people who mean the most to them — their former handlers.
To make this possible, American Humane Society raises funds to cover the costs of transportation and coordinates the reunification process. Additionally, we provide lifetime veterinary care for the dogs we reunite with their handlers, supporting their health and happiness for years to come.
The benefits of these reunions are profound — for both the dogs and their handlers — allowing these inseparable battle buddies to be reunited and enjoy the peace and freedom they’ve earned. Together, we can give these canine heroes the hero’s welcome, dignified retirement and loving forever loving homes they so richly deserve.
You Can Help Bring Them Home
America’s bravest — including our military working dogs — give so much for our freedom. Now, they need your support. By contributing today, you can help make these reunions a reality and give back to those who’ve given us so much.
Help our K-9 veterans and their handlers find the peace and joy they’ve earned. Together, we can honor their service and provide the future they deserve.