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Canine Veteran Assistance Program

For over a decade, the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) has been committed to supporting Military Working Dogs (MWDs), both during and after their operational service.

From East Timor and the Solomon Islands to Afghanistan, AWAMO has sent care packages containing comforts from home for both handlers and their canine companions. These packages have included toys, chew treats, food, and in 2005, winter coats for MWDs deployed in Afghanistan.

Extending Support to Domestic Veteran Dogs

In 2017, AWAMO expanded this initiative to assist retired MWDs living in Australia, particularly those whose handlers may face financial hardship. Many veterans rely on their canine companions for companionship and support, but the costs associated with caring for an aging or retired military dog can be significant.

AWAMO’s Veterans Canine Assistance Program provides fully funded support for these loyal animals, ensuring they receive the care and recognition they deserve. Current support reaches around 20 retired Australian MWDs who have served multiple deployments, including in Afghanistan.

What’s Included in a Care Package

AWAMO’s care packages are designed to provide both practical and comforting items for veteran dogs, including:

Leads and food bowls
Worming and flea medications
Dog shampoo and hygiene items
Teeth-cleaning chew toys and treats
Handmade blankets or dog coats

These packages are distributed in partnership with organisations such as Redlands RSL in Queensland, which administers their delivery to veterans.

With Christmas approaching, AWAMO encourages supporters to participate in this initiative. A holiday care package can include a personal message to say:

“Thanks for your Service”

While not every recipient can personally respond, AWAMO makes every effort to capture photographs of dogs and handlers receiving their gifts. Any donations not used for Christmas packages are redirected to other veteran dog assistance projects run by AWAMO.

Comprehensive Support for Retired Military Working Dogs

Beyond care packages, AWAMO provides ongoing, fully-funded support for retired MWDs, particularly those who face significant health and veterinary challenges. Examples of AWAMO’s support include:

Covering veterinary bills and medications

Supplying comfort items such as beds, coats, and toys

Funding cremation and burial with honour

Providing special dietary food for elderly or retired dogs

This ensures that retired MWDs, who have risked their lives and provided extraordinary service to Australian troops, are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.

Our Heroes

Australia’s Military Working Dogs (MWDs) are more than companions - they are veterans in their own right. Around 20 of these extraordinary dogs have deployed multiple times to Afghanistan, serving alongside our troops on the front lines. Yet, once their service ends, the duty of care from the Australian Defence Force ceases, and there is no support system from the Department of Veterans Affairs for these four-legged heroes.

Retired MWDs often face significant health challenges in their later years, and their carers frequently struggle to afford veterinary care or pet insurance. Recognising this gap, AWAMO has established a dedicated program to support veteran MWDs, ensuring they receive the care, comfort, and respect they deserve in retirement.

These dogs have given tirelessly to protect human lives - 11 have made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. AWAMO ensures that their service is remembered and that retired heroes can live their final years with dignity.

Below are some of the remarkable retired dogs whose care has been made possible through AWAMO’s Veteran Dog Program.