New Illinois law designates funding for K-9 care after retirement

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A new state law signed on Friday will ensure that Illinois K-9 units receive veterinary care after they retire.

House Bill 3140 creates the Police K-9 Care Program and the Police K-9 Care Fund. Lawmakers said K-9s spend their entire lives protecting the state, and this new law will ensure that they also receive the protections and care they need.

Handlers would be reimbursed for a retired police dog’s veterinary care up to $1,500 per dog. This care could include annual wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention treatments, surgery and more.

The law was designed for K-9s who served for five or more years or who were hurt at work.

“Police K-9s are held to a high standard of performance throughout their time on the job,” sid State Senator Napoleon Harris III (D-Harvey), one of the bill’s sponsors. “Like our first responders, they serve this state honorably and deserve considerate, lasting care when they retire.”

The initiative was originally started by the Illinois State Police Command Officers Association and will be funded by the sale of Illinois Police K-9 Memorial Plates.

Governor JB Pritzker signed HB3140 on Friday. It will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.