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Retirement for Working Dogs

In my blog series we have discussed the general knowledge around working dogs. We will now come to know working dogs lives after service.

Service Dogs

The average lifespan of our canine companions is 10-13 years, most working dogs get retired around 10. Service dogs become retired for a variety of reasons such as:
  • Medical Conditions 
Hearing, smell, and vision loss are common in the old age of dogs. When this happens they can no longer serve their owners safely.
  • Owner's Health Decline
Sometimes when services animals owners get sick it becomes impossible for them to care for their animal. In this case, the dogs are either retired or reassigned to another home. 
  • Unmet Expectations
Not all pups that go into service dog jobs are cut out for the work.

The majority of retired service animals continue to live with their owners or their relatives. Others are adopted out through the organization that trained them. For example, guide dogs are usually rehomed to a very calm family where they can enjoy the time that they have left. Then another trained animal will be introduced to continue assisting the owner.

Search and Rescue Dogs (SARD)

Bretagne 
Search and Rescue Dogs are typically retired when:
  • They can no longer handle the physical aspect of the job.
  • They can not pass certification. SAR K-9 teams are required to be certified and to re-certify every three years. 
  • The job becomes too stressful for the animal. In this scenario, the dog could be reassigned to a more easygoing environment.
Just like service animals, SARD are commonly retired to their handlers care. If not, they are adopted out through the organization that trained them. 

Military War Dogs

MWD
In the past it was assumed that MWD would not be able to adapt to a civilian lifestyle. As a result dogs fighting in foreign countries were often euthanized or given to allies. Shortly after that controversy "Robby's Law" was enacted so MWD could be adopted out after their service ended. Even then, the dogs stationed around the world cost thousands of dollars to get shipped home. During that time there were organizations helping cut the cost of transportation and reunited the dogs with their handlers/adopters. Luckily, the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (sec. 342) made it possible for handlers to have priority in the adoption of their dog. It also allows special adoption circumstances, which can mean early retirement for some animals. Military War Dogs are often retired for injury, arthritis, PTSD, old age, or failure to pass the aptitude test. If a dog is not being adopted by its handler there is a waiting list for screened applicants who are prepared for a MWD. Each MWD that is adopted out to a private citizen is carefully matched to ensure that it will be a good fit.

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