What does Preamble of Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require the Attorney General to establish a grant program to assist with the medical expenses of qualified working dogs, and for other purposes,' aims to establish a grant program. The Attorney General would be required to establish this grant program. The grant program is intended to assist with the medical expenses of qualified working dogs.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Protecting America's Working Dogs Act of 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to military and federal working dogs. The Department of Defense employs approximately 1,600 military working dogs. Working dogs have contributed to successful operations, including those resulting in the deaths of Osama bin Laden and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Various federal agencies, including the U.S. Capitol Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, utilize working dogs. Retired working dogs often face an uncertain future regarding ownership and medical care. The medical needs of retired working dogs can create a financial hardship for those who take them in.

What does GRANT PROGRAM TO FUND COVERED MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR QUALIFIED of Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a grant program administered by the Attorney General to fund covered medical expenses for qualified working dogs. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for grants, with a maximum amount of $575,000 per year for four fiscal years following enactment. To be eligible, an organization must primarily care for qualified working dogs, provide financial assistance to owners, allocate at least 70% of spending to related expenses, and separately report veterinary expenses on IRS Form 990. Grant recipients must use funds specifically for covered medical expenses of qualified working dogs. Grant amounts may be reduced based on unexpended funds from previous years. The Attorney General must report to Congress on the number of dogs assisted and average medical expenses. ’Covered medical expenses’ include veterinarian visits, procedures, tests, and medically necessary supplements. ’Qualified working dog’ includes retired government dogs (including Armed Forces) and service dogs for veterans or retired law enforcement officers.

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Protecting America’s Working Dogs Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/12/2026 · Introduced: 3/12/2026

Author: John James (R-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Attorney General to provide financial assistance for the medical expenses of retired military, law enforcement, and veteran service dogs.
Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for grants up to $575,000 annually to cover veterinary care, procedures, and related expenses for qualified working dogs.
Grant recipients are required to allocate at least 70% of their spending to working dog-related expenses and report veterinary costs separately to the IRS.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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