The Story of America's Retired Working Dog Heroes

By Project K-9 Hero

First...what is a working dog?

A working dog might have a career within a branch of the military or police department detecting narcotics, explosives or tracking criminals. Others lend their nose, sight or hearing to search and rescue, or provide therapy for those with physical, social, emotional and cognitive challenges.

Most dogs endure multiple tours of duty and years of service to their country stateside or aboard. Some come back having lost limbs and others give their lives in service.

Due to the high intensity of their jobs, these K-9s experience wear and tear that normal pets do not and this can cause them to retire early with complicated injuries or conditions. Those who retire from a working dog career require more extensive care in retirement.

K-9 Bety's Medical Care Covered by Project K-9 Hero

And why do they need our help?

"What most people don't know is there are NO funds available to take care of these retired heroes once they get out of service. There's no government or public program in place to help pay for their medial bills, their food, or their end of duty services," Jason Johnson of Project K-9 Hero said.

Many times the burden of medical care falls on the K-9 handler or worse is not covered at all. Unfortunately the U.S. military and government does not currently recognize their incredible service with additional support in retirement, but we at Project K-9 Hero do.

Thankfully, Project K-9 Hero fills this gap and ensures the best quality of life for these heroes by providing assistance with medical costs, food and end-of-duty services. "These K-9 heroes spent their entire careers protecting us so we'll spend the rest of ours protecting them," Jason continues.

Project K-9 Hero is dedicated to making sure no retired police K-9 or military working dog ever goes without medical care just because no funds are available to them.

Protecting America's Retired K-9 Heroes

At Project K-9 Hero, we rely on donors like you to support these efforts, since there are no public funds for these retired Police K-9's and Military Working Dogs. Together, we can honor our retired K-9 Heroes.

We promise your gift will make an impact and change a dog's life!

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You can host a fundraiser on social, share one of our posts, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok! Sharing our program with new people continues to help more K-9 heroes in need.

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We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about our cause! We have a variety of roles available. Please reach out through this form to sign up to volunteer with Project K-9 Hero.

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All purchases support our mission of helping retired K-9s with food, medical care, and end-of-duty services. You'll feel good knowing your wardrobe supports the Project K-9 Hero cause.

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We are transparent with where your donations go. We share receipts publicly and continuously of paid medical bills and other expenses. We give on-going updates with each K-9 in need through social, email, and SMS.

What supporters are saying about us...

"They do amazing work! I work in veterinary oncology and get the chance to witness their work first hand."

- Tiffany Michelle Blackburn

"This is a great cause for those pups who have worked endless hours and no longer have help from their departments or the military to care for these aging cuties."

- J.R. Ani