Working Paws

Location: Australia

Cohort Size: Currently 60 four-legged veterans

Project Objective:

Military dogs are veterans. They serve on the same frontlines, face the same dangers, and give the same dedication as the men and women beside them. When their service ends, they deserve the same care and respect.

Working Paws Australia - founded by ex-military working dog handlers - currently supports over 60 registered dogs across Australia, covering medical care, quality of life, and finding loving forever homes. Through our partnership with Working Paws, P4P backs that mission in WA - helping to cover those costs and taking the weight off the veterans who carry them.

Because unlike their human counterparts, military dogs receive zero government support in retirement. Every bill falls entirely on the veteran who brought them home.

Why it matters:

These dogs dedicated their lives to the service of their country. They worked the same ground, breathed the same air, and carried the same risks as the people beside them. When their service ended, the government's obligation ended with it. No support. No recognition. Nothing.

The veteran who brings their four-legged mate home doesn't see it that way. To them, it's not a retired asset - it's a mate. And caring for a mate who's hurting can be costly and stressful. Lifting that financial burden lifts more than just a bill.

Who it is designed for:

Veterans who have brought a retired military dog home and are carrying the full cost of their care.

What they get from it:

• Vet bills, medications, and rehabilitation - covered.

• The relief of knowing their dog is looked after, without the financial strain.

• Genuine improvement in their own mental health as a result.

• Recognition that the bond between handler and dog matters - and so does its cost.

• A community that gets it.

What your support covers:

  • $150/m Beransa injection (chronic pain/arthritis)

  • $250 Annual check-up & vaccinations

  • $450 Blood tests & vet consultation

  • $500 Abdominal ultrasound

  • $800 Radiography & X-rays

  • $5,000-$7,000 Cruciate ligament knee surgery

  • $7,000 Emergency gastric torsion surgery (GDV)