WASHINGTON, July 14, 2026 – Canine Companions applauds the introduction of the National Service Animals Monument Location Act, a bipartisan bill introduced July 1, authorizing the placement of a monument on the National Mall Reserve — the nation’s most distinguished location for works of exceptional and enduring national importance.
The National Service Animal Monument will be the first national monument honoring the contributions of working animals and their handlers throughout American history. It will commemorate the partnerships that have served our nation in the military, law enforcement, search and rescue, disability assistance and many other vital roles while celebrating the enduring human-animal bond.
For more than 250 years, service animals and their handlers have helped shape our nation’s history.
“Together, these animals and their handlers have protected lives and communities, defended freedom, expanded independence, and embodied enduring American values of courage, sacrifice, loyalty, and compassion,” said Susan Bahary, founder and sculptor of the National Service Animals Monument.
Yet despite their extraordinary contributions, their legacy has never been permanently recognized on our nation’s most significant commemorative landscape. America cannot fully tell its own story without telling theirs.
This legislation affirms that the story of service animals and their handlers belongs among the defining stories of our nation, receiving permanent recognition alongside the people and events that shaped American history.
Support for the legislation comes from leaders throughout the service animal community.
Chris Willingham, President of the U.S. War Dogs Association, added: “This legislation marks an important step toward realizing the National Service Animals Monument’s mission of honoring service animals and their contributions to our nation. As passionate advocates for the military working dog community, we are thrilled to see their service and sacrifice recognized as part of this historic project and preserved for future generations.”
“Canine Companions pioneered the modern service dog movement, and we’re proud to support legislation honoring the extraordinary service and devotion of working dogs,” said Paige Mazzoni, CEO of Canine Companions. “This monument will stand as a lasting tribute to their impact, ensuring future generations recognize and celebrate the unique bond between humans and dogs and the life-changing support these remarkable animals provide every day.”
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans of Virginia (R), who introduced this bipartisan piece of legislation, said, “As Co-Chair of the Working Dog Caucus, I have the highest admiration for the animals that have faithfully served alongside our men and women in uniform. From the horses that proved essential in military strategy to the nearly 6,000 canines that continue to play a role in drug interdiction and bomb detection, their roles have made our service members safe. I’m grateful to my Co-Chair, Congressman Don Davis (D, NC), for his partnership and I’m proud to introduce this legislation to honor the contributions of the animals in our Armed Forces.”
The monument is funded entirely through private philanthropy. To learn more, receive updates, or make a donation, visit the National Service Animals Monument website: https://nationalserviceanimalsmonument.org*
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