New Florida program helps pay veterinary costs for retired police dogs

FLORIDA – Florida’s new Care for Retired Police Dogs Program will provide a reimbursement of up to $1,500 of the annual veterinary costs associated with caring for a retired police dog.

On Friday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 226, establishing the Care for Retired Police Dogs program. The program is designed to help caregivers of retired police dogs pay for veterinary costs of the dogs, DeSantis said.

This includes annual wellness checks, vaccinations, parasite prevention treatments, medications, and emergency care for the animals.

The program is housed under the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and will be administered by a non-profit organization dedicated to the care of retired police dogs. The program has an appropriation of $300,000 in recurring funds.

“In Florida, we back the blue, and that includes the K-9s that are often the first to go into a dangerous situation,” said DeSantis.

“After dedicating their lives to protecting and serving our communities, it is important that we ensure that these K-9s are cared for by providing the resources necessary for handlers or adopters to afford their veterinary care.”

For a retired service dog to qualify, an owner must show valid documentation of the dog’s retirement from law enforcement and that the dog served for five or more years.

A dog that has served three or more years and was injured in the line of duty and then retired is also eligible.