Police and military dogs perform high-risk roles that expose them to physical and psychological stress. Robust welfare standards protect these animals throughout their working lives and retirement.
Police and military dogs serve voluntarily in dangerous roles they cannot choose or refuse. Their welfare obligations are therefore substantial. Evidence of canine PTSD — hypervigilance, avoidance, altered sleep, and reactivity — has been documented in dogs returning from combat. Retirement planning must begin years before a dog leaves service, with matched rehoming families identified and transition support provided. Dogs should never be euthanised simply because they can no longer work. Handler-dog bond strength is itself a welfare indicator: strong bonds predict lower stress biomarkers.