K9 Hero Haven

K9 Hero Haven is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization established in August, 2015 in Herndon, Pennsylvania.  Our mission is to provide a retirement home to retired working dogs of the U.S. military and other government agencies (such as Customs and Border Patrol and the Agricultural Department), civilian contractor companies performing the same tasks in the same locations as our military working dogs, as well as state and local law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities.  Most of our K9 working dogs are, therefore, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, and occasionally Labrador Retrievers or other less aggressive breeds.

To date, K9 Hero Haven has adopted over 410 of our heroes and reunited 20 of them with their former handlers.  Many of the working dogs we take in have aggression or health issues that preclude them from being adopted out.  We rescue them so they may avoid being euthanized and can live out the remainder of their lives in our retirement center.  We feel this is the least that can be done for God’s creatures that have placed their lives on the line every day so each of us can live peacefully in a free society.

All donations received go directly to providing care to our resident K9 retirees.  Many of the military working dogs (MWDs) and contract working dogs (CWDs) have returned to the U.S. from combat zones with many of the same afflictions affecting our military personnel, including PTSD and various cancers.  The level of care required of those K9 heroes can be substantial.  Medical expenses alone in 2022 exceeded $62,000.00.  In addition to general medical care (shots, yearly exams, etc.) that each K9 receives, many require various daily medications and/or physical therapy in order to manage their condition and/or improve their quality of life.  We presently house 19 retired, high-energy working dogs on site.  Besides medical care, all of course must be fed twice daily, and provided with toys and other objects that allow them to exercise their minds and their bodies.  Constant cleaning and maintenance of the facilities is part of daily life as well.

In January 2025, we moved our operations to a new facility to house our K9 Heroes.  The new facility was formerly a veterinary hospital and has indoor climate controlled kennel areas for each K9 along with a running water supply for drinking.  Facilities are also incorporated to store supplies and launder blankets and towels.   The new facility provides a more comfortable and healthier environment and has plenty of room for exercise.  Additionally, we've opened a store at our new location where customers can view our working dog memorial room and purchase our merchandise.   This was a considerable undertaking and every dollar of support raised is greatly appreciated.

Additional information can be found on our webpage:  K9herohaven.org.  There you’ll find our fundraising event schedule where you can meet some of our retired working dogs.  Additionally a link is provided to make donations and view merchandise we offer.   We can also be found on Facebook at:   K-9 Hero Haven.  Thank you for your support!