Bipartisan Bill to Benefit ‘VetDogs’ Reintroduced

WASHINGTON — A bipartisan bill intended to benefit service dogs working with disabled veterans has been reintroduced by Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C.

H.R. 807, The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act, would direct the Treasury Department to mint a three-coin commemorative series honoring the role working dogs play in American society.

All sales of coins will include a surcharge, which will be paid to America’s VetDogs for general expenses associated with the fulfillment of its mission. 

VetDogs trains and places service dogs for those with physical disabilities; guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; service dogs to help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder; and facility dogs as part of the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals.

Despite the fact it costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place one service dog, there is never a charge to the disabled veteran, servicemember or first responder, McHenry notes in a press release.

“From the battlefield to the homefront, working dogs provide an invaluable service,” McHenry said in a written statement. 

“Not only do these incredible animals serve alongside our troops and law enforcement, but they also assist wounded veterans when they return home,” he said.

All 73 of the bill’s original co-sponsors are supporting it today. Assuming the bill passes this year, the coins would go into production in 2025.

“We are honored to have been selected for this unique opportunity and appreciate the support from Congressman Patrick McHenry and 73 other bipartisan members who have co-sponsored H.R. 807: The Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act,” said John Miller, president and CEO, America’s VetDogs, in a written statement.

“Not only will this bipartisan bill and commemorative coin represent the life-changing work service and military working dogs provide, it will also support America’s VetDogs to continue our impactful mission of providing these highly trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, at no charge to the individual,” Miller said.

Dan can be reached at dan@thewellnews.com and @DanMcCue