The History and Heroes of K9 Veterans Day

We’ve shared a bond with dogs for thousands of years. We’ve built a partnership on trust, loyalty, and teamwork. Some of these dogs take that partnership to extraordinary heights, like patrolling airports, riding alongside law enforcement officers, or serving in military units around the world.

Our dogs at BSM Partners may not face that kind of danger but still show up faithfully in our office every week to tackle their “day jobs,” as we like to say. Nonetheless, their presence is a reminder of the dedication, service, and loyalty dogs bring to every role they fill. This dedication has long been recognized in the military and is honored each year on March 13th through National K9 Veterans Day, a day dedicated to military working dogs (MWDs). 

A History of Service: Remembering K9 Contributions 

Although humans have worked alongside dogs for centuries, the formal integration of dogs into the U.S. military did not occur until the 20th century. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1942, efforts to incorporate dogs into military service gained momentum. Early initiatives were led by a coalition of dog lovers and supported by the American Kennel Club (AKC), which formed an organization called Dogs for Defense. The group helped acquire and train dogs for military service, initially encouraging owners to donate their dogs and relying on volunteers to help source them. 

These efforts soon received official recognition with the creation of the War Dog Program, or K-9 Corps, launched by the U.S. Army. The program initially welcomed dogs from 32 different breeds, but it quickly became clear that certain breeds excelled at the tasks required for military service. Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Collies, Siberian Huskies, Belgian Sheepdogs, Eskimo Dogs, and Malamutes proved especially capable due to their focus, enthusiasm, and adaptability in training. Their success highlighted the qualities that make dogs valuable partners in service, such as intelligence, agility, and a natural ability to work alongside humans and as part of a team. 

Over the decades, MWDs have carried those qualities into service in every major U.S. conflict. During World War II and the Vietnam War, dogs served as messengers and scouts for their handlers. They explored unseen terrain, including caves, detected traps and mines, and relied upon their keen sense of smell to track enemy movements. More recently, in Iraq and Afghanistan, dogs were invaluable in detecting explosives, assisting in searches for wounded soldiers, and performing reconnaissance. For these efforts and more, today honors their sacrifice and celebrates their service. 

Responsibility: Support After Service 

Not only does this day serve as a remembrance of the service and sacrifice of MWDs, but it also reminds us of our responsibility to care for them. Organizations dedicated to supporting retired service dogs provide veterinary care, rehabilitation, rehoming, and nutrition assistance to these dogs, as years of demanding and stressful work can take a toll. Large breeds commonly used in service, such as German Shepherds and Belgian Sheepdogs, are prone to orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Adding supplements to their diet containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega-3 fatty acids can support healthy joints and mobility and, when combined with proper nutrition, help maintain their overall quality of life. 

Emotional and mental support is equally important, as many retired dogs experience stress or difficulty adjusting after leaving active duty. Supplementing calming nutrients like L-theanine may help them manage their stress levels. In addition, the human-animal bond has been shown to improve human well-being and may also support dogs' emotional health by helping them manage cortisol levels as they continue to strengthen trust with their owner. 

A Life of Service, A Life of Care 

These dogs have served and supported us in countless ways, just as they have throughout history. Now it’s our turn to give back by caring for their physical and emotional health. Honoring their service through ongoing support recognizes all they’ve done and helps them enjoy the care and comfort they deserve. 

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About the Author

Anna Guilfoyle is a Product Innovation Analyst at BSM Partners. She earned her bachelor's degree in Animal Science with a minor in Pet Food Science from Kansas State University. During her undergraduate studies, Anna supported research in animal welfare and completed coursework in food safety, product development, and pet food processing. She also holds a PCQI certification in human food production.

She has internship experience in companion animal nutrition including formulation and production support across various product types. Anna enjoys blending creativity with science to support innovation within the industry. She is passionate about improving the well-being of animals and has cared for a wide range of species from companion animals to production animals.