Dogs became part of our lives a long time ago. Today, this bond is stronger than ever. Dogs brighten up our day, make us move, and keep us safe. If you’re considering adopting a dog, know that that’s one of the noblest things you can do.
By providing a forever home, you’ll save that puppy’s life. Still, have you ever considered adopting a retired army dog? More than 2,700 military dogs are deployed across the globe, and after they finish service, they need a permanent home. It’s possible to adopt them, and this is what you need to know about the process.
When Do Army Dogs Retire?
After about 10 to 12 years in military service, military working dogs (MWD) are ready for retirement. When the time comes, they usually retire due to injury or sickness. However, a young military dog may become available for adoption since sometimes they fail to meet training standards.
The most common dog breeds are German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retriever, and sometimes a mixed breed. The age range is from one to 13 and includes both male and female dogs that are neutered or spayed before the adoption.
Where Do Army Dogs End up After Retirement?
A dog handler has the biggest chance of adopting a retired military working dog. Next on the list is law enforcement, where the dog can do what the police need it to do. Finally, if both handlers and law enforcement don’t adopt the dog because of age or injury, civilians can jump in and help.
The Adoption Process
Military dogs aren’t just cute puppies you can pick up from the shelter. The process of adopting an army dog can last for a while. If you want to apply to adopt an army dog, know that you’ll be screened, and it might take a whole year before you get to the first interview. Keep in mind that there are too many applicants, but the US army practices the first come, first served rule.
You will not be paying for the dog. However, you’ll be responsible for covering all costs of transportation. Once you get your appointment, you’ll make two visits, probably in two consecutive days. During your first visit, the staff will review your application, and you’ll get to see the dogs. Your desired dog will be ready the following day, but sometimes it may last longer.
The Behavior of Retired Army Dogs
Another thing to keep in mind is that retired army dogs won’t behave like other dogs. They passed special training that included locating bombs or fighting the enemy, which often results in a specific behavior.
They will have trouble socializing with other dogs and may even have symptoms of PTSD. Years of fighting may also result in anxious behavior and distress. They may have different triggers and are not suitable for families with children or other pets.
What About Retired Handicapped Military Dogs?
Just like people, army dogs may sometimes become handicapped during service. Adopting those army dogs takes more patience and love. There are many things you can do to help a handicapped dog adapt to a new home. Secure the areas where your new family member will be and take a tour of the house when you get home.
Make sure to maintain a routine. It’s essential that your new friend can predict what will happen each day. Be ready to give it its space, but still show love, give attention, and remain patient. Prepare toys for the arrival of your new dog to help it feel welcomed and loved.
Summary
Adopting a dog is a beautiful thing to do. If you want to go a step further, you can also offer your home to a retired military working dog. Even though the process is long and these dogs are more sensitive than others, it’s worth it. Keep in mind that retired military dogs often have a disability. Still, there are steps to take to make them feel good and welcomed in your home.
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FAQs
That said, civilians planning to adopt a retired MWD must provide a suitable home and be able to meet the dog's specific needs. These dogs require an active lifestyle with plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and a strong pack leader.
Can military dogs be adopted after retirement? ›
If a dog is still serviceable upon its disposition – or official retirement – from the military, he may be transitioned to work in civilian law enforcement. However, a dog who is no longer serviceable may be made available for adoption.
What happens to military service dogs when they retire? ›
Since 2000, a military working dog retired from duty can now be adopted by a civilian or law enforcement personnel though most find a permanent home with their handlers.
What is Robby's law? ›
"Robby's Law" (10 U.S.C. 2583 ) requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress each year on the "disposition" of Military Working Dogs (MWD's) -- the numbers adopted, transferred to law enforcement, euthanized, or disposed of by other means.
What happens to failed military dogs? ›
Once the military decides a MWD is unable to serve, the dog is often left abroad unless a handler or nonprofit organization can fund the dog's transport back to the United States.
Do retired military dogs get a pension? ›
Unfortunately, the K-9s do not receive a pension. The Foundation's network of veterinarians, that includes some of the country's most valued specialists in many varying areas of health care, give discounts to active and retired K-9s.
Do soldiers get to keep their military dogs? ›
After years of being classified as “equipment” with thousands of military dogs being disposed of or left overseas, American Humane worked with Congress to require that military working dogs be brought back to U.S. soil upon retirement and that their handlers and their families be given first rights of adoption.
How old are military dogs when they retire? ›
Life After Service
K9 dogs usually retire at 8 to 10, depending on their physical health. Some dogs are discharged from service due to injuries sustained while on duty. Regardless, these dogs deserve a peaceful retirement where they can relax and enjoy their lives as beloved pets.
What is the highest ranking military animal in the world? ›
Conversation. This penguin is the world's highest-ranking military animal. Major General Sir Nils Olav III, Baron of the Bouvet Islands is a king penguin who resides in Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland and is the mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King's Guard.
At what age do most service dogs retire? ›
Most service and working dogs, which are typically Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers, are estimated to have an average working life of 8 years (35, 49). Since most working dogs do not officially begin their careers until 2 years of age, they are typically retired at around 10 years of age.
Thankfully, “Robby's Law” opens up adoption to their former handlers, law enforcement, and civilian families. When a dog is retired out, it is usually because of injury or sickness and the best person to care for the puppy is the handler. More than 90% of these good dogs get adopted by their handler.
What happens to dogs after the war? ›
DOD has used military working dogs at home and abroad to assist and protect servicemembers by helping to detect explosives or other threats. After completing their service, the dogs can be adopted, transferred to a law enforcement agency, or euthanized.
What is the Robby's law 2000? ›
Robby's Law (H.R. 5314) was signed by President Bill Clinton in November 2000 and required that all MWDs suitable for adoption be available for placement after their service. Unfortunately, it was too late to save Robby, whose former handler fought valiantly to adopt him, to no avail.
Are military dogs traumatized? ›
Many are trained for dangerous and high-risk tasks such as tracking, search and rescue, explosive detection, patrol, and attack, many of them undergoing explosions, air drops, and heavy-handedness by uncaring handlers. Because of this, many of these dogs exhibit PTSD.
Are retired military dogs good pets? ›
According to research from petsforpatriots.org -- an organization dedicated to MWDs. Not every retired MWD makes a great addition to the family. They are highly trained, often for lethal purposes, and traits that are desirable in a military canine might make them unsuitable as a family pet.
Do military dogs get funerals? ›
After their passing, military dogs are often honored with various actions, such as gun salutes or full military funerals. This is usually done for military dogs who have served with great courage or conducted heroic acts during their time.
What happens to K9 dogs when they retire? ›
What happens to veteran K9 dogs after service? Retired K9s usually live out their lives with the family of one of their handlers. The dogs usually live with the handler while they're working, so the only change is that they no longer go to work with the handler.
Does the military pay for pet relocation? ›
A Service member may be authorized allowances associated with the costs of moving with one household pet. For moves within CONUS, the Service member may be reimbursed up to $550 and for OCONUS, up to $2,000.
How long does it take to train a military dog? ›
K9 troops also have attack training to defend themselves and their handlers. Each MWD must complete the Military Working Dog Training Program. During this 120-day program, dogs are trained for patrol and one other discipline, either explosives or drug detection.
How to get a service dog in San Antonio? ›
For assistance with obtaining a Service Animal, you may contact Guide Dogs of Texas at (210) 366-4081 or visit https://guidedogsoftexas.org/. They work with all types of disabilities in service animal placement and training.
