An Overview Of The Military Dog Adoption Program

By Kelly Wood


Thousands of dogs are employed by the Armed Forces. They serve as guard dogs, sentries, scouts, and detection dogs. They save countless lives. Many return injured, still loyal and fearless. Some work until age forces retirement. The military dog adoption program seeks family homes for aging and disabled warriors deemed suitable for family life.

MWDs train at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. From there they travel around the world to serve their country at airports, on military bases, in war zones and disaster areas. Often they return to Lackland Air Force Base when their assignment is done. Some canines remain and are made available for adoption at local bases where they completed their last service.

The more flexible your requirements, the more likely you are to find a retired dog that suits your family. Adoptable dogs range from 1-13 years old. Dogs at local and regional bases are usually disabled or aging dogs ready to retire. Young dogs may be available at Lackland Air Force Base. Some wonderful and talented canines don't make it through the rigorous training required to become an MWD.

Adopted dogs must be spayed or neutered. They must not be used for business or personal security, nor sold to anyone for business or security work. It's a federal offense to break your signed agreement. These dogs have completed their service and deserve a stable and enjoyable retirement.

Dogs declared excess but still able to work are sometimes adopted by other law enforcement agencies. Next in line are former handlers. Around three hundred dogs each year need a home from outside the military. The waiting list is 6-18 months.

The first step is to apply. Expect a follow up interview to determine if you can provide a suitable home and to help handlers determine what dog would be a match for you and your family. Most dogs go to homes without cats or children under 8. Some need to be an only dog. The interview considers the reasons you want to adopt, your experience with canines, other family members and pet, and financial stability.

Check online for additional information about dogs available for adoption. You can email or call local bases to see if any soon to be retired dogs are available in your area. The military doesn't charge a fee for the adoption. Adopting families pay to have the contract notarized. They pay to transport the dog to their home. They pay for all subsequent care needs of their new companion, including vet care necessary for preexisting conditions.

MWDs are used to constant companionship and leadership from their handlers. They're chosen for duty because they're intelligent, athletic, independent, loyal, and fearless. When you adopt, you're making a commitment to lead, exercise, challenge, play and relax with a very special dog. It's important to know your dog's training history. Most have been trained to chase and track, and many have been trained to attack on command.

Can you meet the special needs of a retired or disabled K9 dog, emotionally, physically, and financially? If the answer is a definite yes, consider offering a retiring warrior a secure retirement. Breeds commonly available through military dog adoption include German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Lab Retrievers, Bloodhounds, and Beagles.




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