Project K-9 Hero Applauds Introduction of the K-9 Hero Act of 2026 to Support Retired Federal Working Dogs

Whitwell, Tenn. – July 16, 2026 – Project K-9 Hero applauds the introduction of the H.R. 9664 “K-9 Hero Act of 2026,” introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Derrick Van Orden on July 14, 2026. The legislation aims to improve the lives of retired federal working dogs who dedicated their careers to protecting and serving the United States.

If passed, the K-9 Hero Act of 2026 would establish an annual grant program to assist with the medical expenses of retired federal working dogs through nonprofit organizations, such as Project K-9 Hero, that specialize in their care.

A 2022 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), titled “Working Dogs: Federal Agencies Need to Better Address Health and Welfare,” found that approximately 5,100 working dogs were managed across 40 federal programs, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and all branches of the U.S. military.

A 2017 report found that the average annual cost of care for a retired military working dog was $1,182 per fiscal year, excluding specialty medical expenses, surgeries, medical supplements, and other illnesses that may develop as a result of their service. Since that time, veterinary costs have continued to increase alongside inflation, creating an even greater financial burden for those responsible for their care.

Once a working dog retires, there are currently no federal benefits available to cover the cost of their continued medical care. As a result, retired federal working dogs and their families often rely on nonprofit organizations for assistance. These organizations are required to fundraise from private donors to obtain the necessary funding to cover the care for these retired K-9 Heroes, and many of these organizations have hundreds of retired K-9 Heroes waiting for support.

Project K-9 Hero currently has more than 1,000 pending applications, approximately half of which are expected to qualify for assistance through this proposed grant program. If passed, eligible nonprofits could receive up to $1 million each from a total annual budget of $5 million to help provide medical care for retired federal working dogs. This bill will actively credit the dogs for their lifelong service, regardless of who owns them. 

“In the case of Project K-9 Hero, the passing of this bill would mean we could admit every qualifying retired federal working dog currently on our waiting list,” said Jason Johnson, Founder and CEO of Project K-9 Hero. “It would help a huge number of families by removing the burden of expensive medical costs, many of whom are veterans, active-duty military members, first responders, and civilians who stepped up to adopt these special dogs when they were in need.

“We are proud to have played a part in writing this bill, which was built upon the original K-9 Hero Act of 2019 (H.R. 5081) in the 116th Congress. I would like to sincerely thank Congressman Van Orden for believing in this cause and helping to protect those who protected us on a national level.”

Project K-9 Hero will continue following the progress of the K-9 Hero Act of 2026 and will provide updates as they become available, including opportunities for the public to support the passage of this important legislation.

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ABOUT PROJECT K-9 HERO

Project K-9 Hero is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the best quality of life for the nation’s retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs. The organization provides assistance with medical expenses, prescription food, and end-of-duty services for nearly 400 Program Members across the United States, with a goal of adding 52 new retired working dogs each year.

Located in Whitwell, Tenn., Project K-9 Hero’s 177-acre facility provides sanctuary to K-9 Heroes in need of rehabilitation and rehoming services, offering them a second chance at life. Founded in 2016 by Jason Johnson and his partner, K-9 Flash, Project K-9 Hero continues to honor the service and sacrifice of working dogs long after their careers have ended.

Project K-9 Hero is dedicated to protecting those who protected us.

Media Contact: Jason Johnson info@projectk9hero.org