Lend a Paw to Our Military Dogs
Your donations help to provide much needed help to K-9 heroes.
With Your Help, We’ve Donated
$1,750,000!
With your generous donations, our Lend A Paw campaigns have raised more than $1.75 million for homeless animals and military dogs, and provided critical food and supplies to the organizations who help care for them.
About the United States War Dogs Association
The United States War Dogs Association (USWDA) was established in 2000 and since then has grown its support of military working dogs (MWDs) by talking to handlers to find out what they need most and channeling their support to suit. Unlike retired military personnel, MWDs do not receive any sort of financial aid.
Our Featured Military Dog Heroes
K-9 Baco
Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC)
Baco, a retired Multi-Purpose Canine, served with the US Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) from 2020 to 2024. Trained at the highest level in explosive detection, tracking, and bite apprehension, Baco completed multiple deployments to the Middle East. On over 35 missions, Baco’s expert nose led to the discovery and safe removal of more than 70 pounds of ordnance. Though known for his grumpy kennel attitude, Baco was a trusted teammate and friend in the field. Now retired with his lifelong handler, Baco is living the good life—snuggling with kids, watching cartoons, and even entering frisbee competitions. As a member of the US War Dogs’ Rx Program, Baco receives all the medications he needs to stay active and happy in retirement.
K-9 Juci
Patrol and Explosive Detection Dog
Juci, a six-year-old Belgian Malinois, began her journey at the Police Dog Center Holland, where she earned the highest evaluation possible before being selected by the Department of Defense. In 2019, she began her military service and was stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Europe as a patrol and explosive detection dog. After five years of dedicated service, Juci began experiencing back leg weakness and pain. Despite therapy, her condition worsened, and she was diagnosed with a spinal cord issue requiring major surgery in 2024. Her veterinary team recommended retirement. Now living with her last handler, Juci is enrolled in the US War Dogs’ Rx Program, which covers the medications she needs for life. These days, Juci has happily traded duty for downtime—lounging on the couch, cuddling close, and playing with her favorite toys.
K-9 Chuky
Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC)
At seven years old, Chuky retired from active duty at MacDill Air Force Base to live with his adoptive family in Florida. In less than a year, he transformed from full-time working dog to full-time cuddle bug. His new family, especially Jackie, says “Mr. Chuky” has filled their lives with love and joy. Always ready for the next adventure, Chuky loves hiking, swimming, city walks, and—most of all—curling up in bed with his parents afterward. He’s made many new friends, including a surprise feathered companion. When a newly hatched chick wandered from its pen, Chuky found her and quickly alerted the family before harm could come. Thanks to his gentle heart and loyal spirit, Chuky is truly the sweetest boy—and now enjoys his well-earned retirement surrounded by love.
USWDA Programs
Unlike retired military personnel, MWDs do not receive any sort of financial aid, but the USWDA organization provides much-needed support to the K-9 community and as it stands today. USWDA has a number of programs that provide practical help to both active and retired MWDs and their adoptive families.
.jpg "Logo of The United States War Dogs Association with the text \"Honoring Our Nation’s War Dogs and Their Handlers: Past, Present, & Future\".")
Rx Program
The greatest need by far is for USWDA's prescription service, or Rx Program. Retired MWDs can access prescription drugs through our partner, Curexa Pharmacy and US War Dogs picks up the check each month. USWDA is currently supporting in excess of 1,200 retired MWDs on the Rx Program at an average cost of $20,000 per month.
Specialized Care Program
USWDA also has a long-standing arrangement with Redbank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey to provide specialized care (diagnostics, treatments and surgeries) to dogs who need it. Thanks to this partnership with Redbank, US War Dogs are not charged for these services.
Wheelchair Program
USWDA pays for veteran dogs who have been signed off by a veterinarian to be fitted with a wheelchair. The wheelchairs help retired MWDs regain their mobility and enjoy every moment of civilian life. Last year, USWDA paid for four wheelchairs to be fitted to dogs around the country and the results were magical!
Thundershirt Program
USWDA's Thundershirt Program offers practical support to retired dogs who are struggling with the effects of PTSD. With this program, owners can orde a weighted Thundershirt, which helps to calm anxious dogs. Anti-anxiety medications are also available for dogs with a diagnosis to help manage the effects of PTSD.
Rainbow Bridge Program
USWDA services helps to alleviate many of the financial burdens associated with owning a retired MWD. When the time comes to say goodbye, the Rainbow Bridge Program helps with costs of euthanasia and cremation, providing practical and timely support at one of the most distressing times.
Care Packages
US War Dogs has sent more than 30,000 care packages to active-duty dog teams since the organization was founded. This service helps fill the gaps in quality K-9 kits and give handlers a welcome reminder of home. USWDA wants our K-9 brothers and sisters to feel supported and valued.
MWD Service Award
US War Dogs awards specially-created service medals to all serving MWDs once their career has ended. Their handlers and adopted families find huge pride in the medals, which recognize the dog’s service to our country and provide his or her family with a treasured keepsake.
Honoring and Educating
USWDA has been involved with a range of high profile memorials and monuments that have helped raise the status of MWDs and their work. USWDA also attends events, fulfills keynote speaker opportunities and provides historical information on the USWDA website for anyone who wishes to learn more about the role and profile of dogs within the US Military – past and present.
Emergency Care Program
With our Emergency Care Program, owners are able to act quickly when treatment is required for their retired MWD. Our team works with the owner’s local vet to assess the treatment needed and the prognosis, and US War Dogs pays for the bill – alleviating the financial burden on the owners and making sure our K-9 hero receives timely care.
