We have many reasons to celebrate everything our doggy friends do for us. March 13 is a day set aside to honor the service and sacrifices of American military and working dogs throughout history.
March 13 is National K-9 Veterans Day in honor of military service and working dogs in the United States military.
K-9 Veterans American Flag
March 13, 1942 was the official start of the Army’s War Dog Program, known as the “K-9 Corps.” It was the first time dogs served in the United States Armed Forces.
In 2019, a new American flag was designed with our K-9 veterans in mind. The new flag is yellow, white and blue, since dogs cannot see red.
And for the first time, the new K-9 Veterans American flag was raised at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City.
The city paid tribute to its K9 Veterans.
The guest of honor at the National K-9 Veterans Day event was Jet Li, a Special Forces Military Working Dog who is now retired. Jet Li served in two tours of Iraq and five years as a police dog with the Metropolitan Police Department.
The best part of this story is that Jet Li is now living with a relative of a Naval Special Warfare K-9 Handler. The Handler lost his life in Afghanistan in 2011, and Jet Li’s adoptive family is a relative of the fallen war hero.
The nonprofit, Project K-9 Hero helped to bring together Jet Li and his adoptive family. Project K-9 Hero helps police K-9 and military working dogs have a good quality of life after they retire. The nonprofit covers medical costs, food, end of duty services, and helps in adopting retired military working dogs.
Read about some ways that you can celebrate K9 Veterans Day 2026.
- Some military and police dogs come from rescues or shelters. Donate your time or make a donation to help out.
- Read about the history, training and current service of military and police dogs.
- Attend local ceremonies to honor these incredible working dogs in your community.
- Adopt a retired military dog for your family!
Military Service Dogs Postage Stamps
And in 2019, the United States Postal Service issued postage stamps to honor the nation’s brave and loyal military service dogs.
The set of four stamps is part of the 2019 Stamp Program. The Forever Stamps feature images of four military service dogs: a German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd. These are all breeds that commonly serve in the United States Armed Forces.
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Cheers,
Dr. Pet Mom
“Honoring every K9 who has served with bravery, skill, and heart – thank you for protecting and guiding us..” ~~ Unknown
Flag image source: Kansas City pays tribute to K9 veterans