K–9 Hero Act of 2026
To require the establishment of a grant program to assist with certain veterinary expenses of retired Federal working dogs, and for other purposes.
This bill proposes to create a grant program to help cover some of the veterinary costs for retired Federal working dogs, like police and military dogs. This means that when these dogs retire, their medical expenses could be partially covered by grants, easing the financial burden on their handlers or owners. The bill is currently at the introductory stage and has been sent to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for further consideration. Introduced on July 14, 2026, by Derrick Van Orden, this bill aims to ensure that these hardworking dogs receive the care they need after their service.
The bill would benefit handlers, owners, and organizations that care for retired Federal working dogs, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively for the dogs' medical needs. It is designed to recognize and support the important work these dogs have done. The current status of the bill is that it has been introduced and referred to a committee for review. As of the last update on July 14, 2026, the bill is still in the early stages of the legislative process.
Key actions and history highlights include the introduction of HB9664 on July 14, 2026, and its immediate referral to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. This committee will evaluate the bill's merits and decide on the next steps for its progression through the legislative process.
