Mission Statement
The goal of Paws of Honor (POH) is to provide veterinary care and products at no charge* for retired military and law enforcement K9s that have served our country, locally or globally. Retired K9s deserve accessible, high quality veterinary care in return for their commitment and sacrifice for our country. The monetary burden associated with veterinary care should not fall on the shoulders of the officer/handler/owner once the K9 has been decommissioned.
*Based on the availability of charitable contributions
Problem & Solution
Problem: All across America there are retired military and law enforcement K9s which, like any animal, need proper medical attention to live healthy, happy lives. But because of the demanding nature of their jobs many of these dogs require additional care. As they age, these K9s suffer from problems such as arthritis and separation anxiety, and they often require pain management.
When working dogs retire from active duty, usually around the age of 10, all the dogs’ benefits cease, including veterinary care and dog food. Any expenses become the responsibility of the officer/handler/owner.
The senior years of a dog’s life are the most critical and expensive. Approximately 40% of the lifetime veterinary expense for dogs occurs in the last two years of their lives, meaning the handler could expect $5,000 or more in veterinary bills in the final years.
This financial burden often puts the handler in a difficult position of deciding if they can afford to care for their canine partner for the remainder of the dog’s life.
They have three options:
- Accept the financial responsibilities for caring for their “canine companion”
- Try to find someone willing to adopt the service dog with the understanding it will be expensive, and the life expectancy of the dog is limited
- Last, but not least, euthanasia
These military and law enforcement working dogs and their human partners DESERVE BETTER in return for their service and commitment to our country!
Solution:
Paws of Honor will partner with select veterinarians, veterinary supply distribution companies, and dog food companies, and with drug manufacturers, and will use charitable contributions from private and corporate partners, to provide services and products for the retired K9s with the goal of zero cost* to the handler.
These services and products will be available at:
- Old Dominion Animal Health Center (ODAHCenter) located in McLean, VA and serving the Washington DC Metropolitan area
- Hudson Animal Hospital conveniently located near Cleveland in Hudson, OH and serving the Northern Ohio region
- Other other veterinary partners.
*Based on the availability of charitable contributions
Paws of Honor, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible.
