Sponsors (41)
The bill directs modest federal funding and reimbursement to improve care and recognition for retired federal working dogs and support nonprofits that help them, at the cost of new federal spending, potential administrative delays, and eligibility limits that may exclude some smaller providers.
Retired federal working dogs and their handlers (including federal law-enforcement handlers) get partial reimbursement for veterinary care, lowering out‑of‑pocket costs and improving access to necessary care.
Provides federal grant funding to nonprofit organizations that already assist retired working dogs, helping sustain continuity of care and support services.
Creates a federal program recognizing the public service of working dogs, which can raise awareness and encourage better animal welfare outcomes for retired working dogs.
Administration and application requirements delegated to DHS could create administrative burden and delays, slowing grant disbursement and reimbursement for nonprofits and handlers awaiting care.
Limiting grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least two years of existence may exclude newer or small providers who currently care for retired working dogs, reducing available local support options.
An annual $1,000,000 authorization increases federal spending and could modestly add to the deficit or crowd out other budget priorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes a DHS-managed grant program funding nonprofits to help cover medical care costs for retired Federal working dogs, $1M/year for FY2026–FY2030.
Creates a grant program to help pay part of medical care costs for retired Federal law enforcement and military working dogs that are in the care of their handlers. Eligible nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)s) with at least two years of experience caring for retired Federal working dogs may apply. Authorizes $1,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program and directs the Department of Homeland Security to set application requirements and administer the grants. Also inserts a clerical table of contents entry into the Homeland Security Act.
Official title: To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a grant program to increase access to medical care for retired Federal working dogs, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 1, 2025 by Brian K. Fitzpatrick · Last progress May 1, 2025