An appreciation day on March 13 honoring the service, sacrifices, and contributions of American military working dogs, police K9s, and other service canines throughout history.
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the
Holiday Calendar Team
Vietnam War veteran and K9 handler Joe White from Jacksonville, Florida founded National K9 Veterans Day, choosing March 13 to mark the 1942 establishment of the U.S. Army K9 Corps. The first official state recognition came in 2009 when Florida Governor Charlie Crist proclaimed it; after White's death, his wife Sally continued advocacy efforts.
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.
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WHY THIS DAY MATTERS
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.
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.
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.
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