Final signature count: 14,548

14,548 signatures toward our 30,000 goal

Police K-9s spend years doing dangerous and demanding work in service to the public. They help locate missing children and vulnerable adults, track suspects, detect narcotics and explosives, and enter high-risk situations alongside law-enforcement officers.¹ Their work saves lives and strengthens public safety in communities across the country.

Retirement Should Never Mean Neglect

After years of service, many retired K-9 officers face a deeply uncertain future. In many departments, there is no guaranteed retirement plan, no dedicated medical funding, and no clear post-service care protocol.² Once these dogs are no longer able to work, the financial burden for their care often shifts entirely to handlers or adoptive families.

That burden can be severe. Years of physically demanding service frequently leave retired police dogs with arthritis, torn ligaments, spinal damage, chronic pain, and trauma-related health conditions that require lifelong veterinary treatment.³ Surgeries, medications, mobility support, and long-term rehabilitation can cost thousands of dollars.

Support Should Not Depend on Geography

Some agencies and nonprofit groups help bridge the gap, but protections remain inconsistent and often depend on where a dog served.⁴ In some jurisdictions, retired K-9s may remain with their handlers and receive some assistance. In others, there is little to no formal support, leaving these former service animals vulnerable to neglect and medical uncertainty.

Whether a retired police dog receives proper care should never depend on a patchwork of local policies. These animals served as officers in every meaningful sense and deserve dignity, safety, and compassion in retirement.⁵

We Need Enforced Standards and Funding

Sheriff’s offices, police departments, and state agencies must implement enforced retirement protocols that clearly outline post-service care, medical responsibility, and safe adoption pathways.¹ Dedicated funding must be set aside to support veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term maintenance.²

Strong partnerships with rescue organizations, handlers, and adoption networks can help ensure these heroes find loving homes and receive the care they earned through years of service.³

Sign the petition now and call for guaranteed retirement care, medical funding, and safe homes for the K-9 officers who spent their lives protecting us.