Sponsors (37)
The bill provides targeted financial and programmatic support to improve care for retired Federal working dogs and reduce handlers' costs, while imposing modest federal spending and eligibility/administrative rules that could delay aid and exclude some small or new care providers.
Retired Federal working-dog handlers (including law-enforcement and other federal employees) will receive partial reimbursement for veterinary care, reducing their out-of-pocket costs for caring for retired service animals.
Nonprofit organizations that assist retired working dogs will receive federal grant funding to support continuity of care and ongoing services for these animals.
Retired Federal working dogs and their handlers gain from a federal program that formally recognizes the public service of working dogs, which may improve animal welfare outcomes and public support for their care.
Nonprofits and handlers may face administrative burden and delays because program administration and application processes are delegated to DHS, potentially slowing access to grants and reimbursements.
Newer or small providers will be excluded from grant eligibility because grants are limited to 501(c)(3) organizations with at least a two-year history, reducing the pool of providers who can receive funding and potentially limiting care options.
All taxpayers bear a small annual cost because the bill authorizes $1,000,000 per year, increasing federal spending and (at scale) contributing to budgetary pressure or trade-offs with other priorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes a DHS grant program funding nonprofits to help pay medical care costs for retired Federal working dogs, with $1M/year authorized for FY2026–FY2030.
Introduced May 1, 2025 by Brian K. Fitzpatrick · Last progress May 1, 2025
Creates a new DHS grant program to help pay part of medical care costs for retired Federal working dogs cared for by their handlers. Eligible nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) that have at least two years’ experience helping retired Federal law enforcement and military working dogs can apply for grants. Congress authorizes $1,000,000 per year for FY2026–FY2030 to run the program, and the Secretary of Homeland Security will set application rules and requirements.