March 13, est. 1942

March 13 is K9 Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifices made by American military and working dogs throughout history. Thank you to all past, present, and future K9 veterans and their trainers!

During the first World War, the United States took notice of the European use of canines as message carriers, sentries, and for several other functions. Dogs for Defense was a program initiated by Arlene Erlanger. Along with the American Kennel Club and a handful of breeders, this group aimed to train dogs for military use.

By November 1942, the first Dogs for Defense were prepared for duty in North Africa. While gun shy at first, they proved to be well trained. As the war progressed, Service Installations Divisions took over training of the dogs because Dogs for Defense was unable to keep up with the demand.

Over the years the military, police, and rescue have developed a variety of training methods for K9 units. Their training is tailored to meet the demands of the job and each handler and animal carries out his or her duties to the fullest.

National K9 Veterans Day is celebrated on March 13th, the official birthday of the United States Army K9 Corps which was formed in 1942.