Our mission at Paws of Honor
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 and 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 charitable contributions
Problem and 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 working dogs 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 $10,000 or more in veterinary bills in the final years.
This financial burden often puts the K9 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 work with veterinarians, veterinary supply distribution companies, dog food companies, and 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.*Based on the availability of charitable contributions
Our Inspiration
Paws of Honor: Honoring the Heroes Who Served
The story of Paws of Honor, Inc. began long before its official creation in 2015. It all started with a single moment that changed everything for Bob Youngblood, the Director of Old Dominion Animal Health Center.
“I was sitting in my office in McLean, Virginia, at 9:37 AM, talking to my wife about the attack on the Twin Towers,” Youngblood recalls. “As I looked out the window, I saw plumes of black smoke rising from the direction of Arlington/Washington D.C. The Pentagon had been hit. I had friends and clients who worked there, including the Pentagon K-9 Protection Force, who would be among the first responders. On that day, lives were lost and lives were changed—and I knew I wanted to help.”
As the Director of Old Dominion Animal Health Center, Youngblood had already developed relationships with multiple Department of Defense and law enforcement agencies. He and his team had treated many of the K-9s involved in the Pentagon response on 9/11. It was the deep, unbreakable bond between the officers and their K-9 partners, forged through unimaginable circumstances, that planted the seed for what would later become Paws of Honor.
The Need for Support
The events of 9/11 highlighted the crucial role military and law enforcement dogs play in national and global security. These dogs are often the first line of defense—protecting our airports, detecting IEDs, and carrying out missions that make the world a safer place. Their contributions are immeasurable.
However, once these brave dogs retire from active duty, they often face an uncertain future. Despite their service, the government classifies them as equipment. Once decommissioned, they are not given the proper benefits, including veterinary care. This oversight left a gap—one that Youngblood was determined to fill.
“I realized I could help by partnering military and law enforcement K-9s with manufacturers and vendors in the veterinary industry,” Youngblood explains. “Together, we could provide vital veterinary care and benefits to these retired dogs at no cost* to their dedicated officers.”
Making a Difference Together
Old Dominion Animal Health Center has set the standard for veterinary care, offering a 50% discount on all services for K-9s enrolled in the Paws of Honor program and retired in the area. But the journey doesn’t end there.
Paws of Honor is growing rapidly, already collaborating with 573 veterinary clinics across 44 states to ensure that these heroic dogs receive the care they deserve. But we’re only scratching the surface—there’s so much more to be done.
Join Us in Supporting Our K-9 Heroes
These incredible animals have sacrificed so much in service to our country and communities. Now, it’s time to give back. Let’s unite to provide our retired K-9 heroes with the care and respect they deserve. Together, we can ensure that their golden years are filled with comfort, love, and proper care.
Join us in supporting Paws of Honor today and make a lasting impact on the lives of these extraordinary heroes.
If you would like to support our canines that served our nation proudly, please consider donating to our mission! We cover veterinary expenses so the handlers of these four-legged heroes can focus on giving their beloved partners a long and healthy retirement, because that’s what they deserve! If you would like to learn more about the other courageous canines in our program, follow this link!