Honoring our K9 Heroes Act

Summary#

This bill would add a new section to the Homeland Security Act to create a grant program to increase access to medical care for retired Federal working dogs. The Secretary would make grants to eligible nonprofit organizations (organizations described in section 501(c)(3)) that provide assistance for medical care to retired Federal law enforcement and military working dogs. Eligible organizations must have at least a two-year history of providing such assistance. Retired Federal working dogs must have a retirement letter from the Federal department or agency that employed the dog and be in the care of their handler. The Secretary sets application requirements. The bill authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 and updates the Homeland Security Act table of contents.

What it means for you#

• Nonprofit organizations that meet the eligibility rules could apply for grants to help pay part of retired Federal working dogs' medical expenses.
• Handlers who care for retired Federal working dogs could receive help through eligible organizations if those organizations get grants.
• The bill does not describe exactly how grants are awarded, how much of each medical bill a grant would cover, or detailed application deadlines and procedures.

Expenses#

• The bill authorizes $1,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out the new grant program for each of fiscal years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030.
• No publicly available information on expected total program costs beyond those yearly authorizations, how funds will be allocated among recipients, or administrative costs.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.