President Joe Biden signed the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act into law on Nov. 25.
The legislation, which garnered strong bipartisan support in both the House of Representatives and Senate, celebrates the essential role of working dogs nationwide while offering vital assistance to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with disabilities.
Surcharges from the sale of the commemorative coins will directly benefit America’s VetDogs, enabling the national nonprofit to expand its mission and provide more accredited, specially trained service dogs — at no cost — to the nation’s heroes.
“This milestone highlights the strength of unity and our collective dedication to honoring the brave men and women who serve our country and communities,” said John Miller, President & CEO of America’s VetDogs. “The commemorative coin series will serve as a lasting tribute to the extraordinary contributions of working dogs, raising awareness of their impact on society while helping us expand our life-changing services to those who have served and continue to serve our nation.”
The legislation, originally introduced to the 118th Congress in February 2023 by Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), was later introduced in the Senate in March 2023 by Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of working dogs to society, the legislation gained strong support from Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), as well as the entire Long Island delegation, where America’s VetDogs is headquartered.
“From the battlefield to the home front, working dogs provide an invaluable service,” said McHenry. “Not only do these incredible animals serve alongside our troops and law enforcement, but they also assist wounded veterans when they return home.”
Kelly said that veterans veterans face unique challenges re-integrating into civilian life after they have left the military,
“Service dogs provide the companionship and everyday assistance that make a real positive impact towards independence, quality of life, and mental health,” he said. “As we continue to confront the crisis of rising veteran suicide rates, I'm proud that our bipartisan legislation delivers
solutions by expanding access to this critical form of support, and makes it available to America’s heroes at no cost.”
The commemorative coins, to be issued by the U.S. Mint in 2027, are set to generate crucial funding for America’s VetDogs’ mission.
To learn more about America’s VetDogs or the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.