WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Working Dog Caucus. Co-chaired by Congresswoman Kiggans and Congressman Don Davis (NC-01), the Caucus aims to promote the positive impact of working dogs and support federal policies that advance the integration of these canines in law enforcement, military, and mental health spaces. Working dogs actively deter and respond to threats, assist first-responders, and provide mental health support through their proven therapeutic benefits.

As part of the Caucus’ launch, Kiggans and Davis hosted six 12-week-old working dogs in training from American K-9 Interdiction as well as several service dogs from America’s VetDogs, including Sal, who works with U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired police officer Paul Sullivan. You can view photos from the launch event here.

“I am excited to launch this bipartisan caucus and raise awareness about how working dogs improve public safety and make a real, positive impact in so many lives, especially for our veterans,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “K-9s, service dogs, and other working dogs can be used in schools and other venues to detect weapons, drugs, and other dangerous items, and I’ve seen firsthand how they help veterans struggling with physical and mental health challenges live with renewed independence. It was an honor to host these four-legged heroes and their handlers here at the U.S. Capitol… and they provided a much-needed mental health boost for everyone!”

“Our beloved furry friends, whether our loyal pets or hardworking service animals deserve nothing but the best,” said Congressman Don Davis.“I’m thrilled to co-chair this remarkable bipartisan caucus dedicated to celebrating the incredible dogs that contribute so much to our lives.”

“We are excited to introduce our next generation of working dogs to Congresswoman Kiggans and her counterparts and explain the growing importance of working dogs for not just national security but also creating safe and secure environments for public schools, and other large venues,” said James Overton, Director of Field Operations and Development for American K-9 Interdiction.

“America’s VetDogs applauds Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and Congressman Don Davis for launching the bipartisan Working Dog Caucus in the US House of Representatives,” said John Miller, President and CEO of America’s VetDogs. “We look forward to continuing to engage in productive conversations with members of Congress and the Working Dog Caucus for years to come to shine a light on the life-changing impact of highly trained assistance dogs and the impact they have on the veterans, service members, and first responders who served our country and communities.”

In 2022, there were roughly 5,600 federal working dogs serving the nation, over 50% of which served the Department of Homeland Security. Most federal working dogs contribute to explosives, narcotics, and human detection, helping prevent domestic terrorism, ensure safer military missions overseas, and catch drug and human traffickers.

Notably, working dogs are also used at the state and local levels, including in school systems for weapons and narcotics detection. Earlier this year, public schools in Newport News, Virginia, announced weapons detection and narcotics dogs would be used in both middle and high schools. School officials have reportedly noticed a substantial drop in overall violence and other related problems in the schools when the working dogs and their handlers are present. 

Working dogs also come in the form of service dogs, offering mental health support to veterans, active-duty military, and first-responders. Service dogs provide mobility assistance for those with physical disabilities and support for those with mental health challenges. The National Institute of Health released a study earlier this year showing that military members and veterans who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) reported significantly lower PTSD symptom severity, anxiety, and depression, as well as less social isolation and higher companionship when paired with service dogs.

In an effort to provide positive mental health support for the military, the U.S. Navy has also piloted the deployment of service dogs on U.S. Navy ships. The Navy’s Expanded Operational Stress Control Canine pilot program began on the USS Gerald R. Ford last year, as well as the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. The addition of service dogs on these aircraft carriers helps to address mental health challenges that are often present on long overseas deployments. 

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