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Show your appreciation on National K9 Veterans Day - honor the brave service of our four-legged heroes with a donation to an animal rescue charity!
March 13 is the special day to recognize and pay tribute to all our four-legged warriors – National K9 Veterans Day! This day was established in 2009 as a way to honor the brave service of military working dogs, search and rescue dogs, police dogs, customs and border patrol canines. It's a great opportunity for us to show appreciation for their courage and loyalty throughout history.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1942</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>K9 Corps Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States Army established its K9 Corps on March 13, officially recognizing the significant contributions of military dogs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of World War II</div><div class='timeline-text'>At the end of World War II, nearly 10,000 military dogs were discharged, having played roles in sentry duty, message carrying, and mine detection.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Canine Use in Vietnam War</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the Vietnam War, about 4000 Canine soldiers were deployed. They played essential roles as scout dogs, tracker dogs, and even in search and rescue operations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Police Dogs Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S Supreme Court recognized police dogs as an invaluable part of law enforcement teams, increasing their use and status in crime prevention and detection.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>9/11 Search and Rescue Dogs</div><div class='timeline-text'>After the 9/11 attacks, nearly 100 search and rescue dogs were used to search for survivors at Ground Zero, highlighting their courage under pressure.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National K9 Veterans Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National K9 Veterans Day was officially recognized on March 13, established in memory of military, police, and service dogs across all states.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a K9 veteran organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many organizations that help retired K9 veterans, such as Mission K9 Rescue, Dogs on Deployment and Guardian Angels For Soldier's Pet. Show your support by donating money or supplies to one of these organizations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a K9 veteran event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many organizations host events to honor and recognize the service of K9 veterans. Lend a hand by volunteering to help set up or clean up after an event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Send cards to K9 veteran handlers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Write a few words of thanks and appreciation for the service of the handler and their partner - it will be greatly appreciated.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share stories of K9 veterans</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share stories of K9 veterans on social media or in your local community. Let people know about their service and the difference they made in their respective countries.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a K9 veteran memorial</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit a memorial dedicated to K9 veterans and pay your respects. Many communities have established monuments and parks that commemorate their service.</p></div></div>
<div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>K9 Veterans are Heroes</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>K9 Veterans play a critical role in various missions: military operations, search and rescue missions, policing and customs inspections. Their bravery, loyalty and dedication save countless lives. Honoring them on National K9 Veterans Day is our way of saying "thank you" for their heroic service.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Raises Awareness</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>National K9 Veterans Day helps raise awareness about the contributions of canine heroes. Celebrating this day educates people about the vital roles these dogs play and pays homage to their courageous service.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>Supports Animal Welfare</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing National K9 Veterans Day, we show our support for animal welfare and advocate for programs that take care of these service animals during and after their service. Through public support, more resources can be directed towards these dogs and their handlers, promoting overall animal welfare.</p></div></div>
National K9 Veterans Day is celebrated on March 13 every year. In 2024 National K9 Veterans Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Mar 13
Monday
2024
Mar 13
Wednesday
2025
Mar 13
Thursday
2026
Mar 13
Friday
2027
Mar 13
Saturday
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