A recent report by the Department of Defense Inspector General has highlighted critical health risks for military working dogs due to aging and poorly maintained kennel facilities. The report, published on March 19, 2026, indicated that conditions contributed to the deaths of four dogs between 2021 and 2023 across 10 out of 12 inspected facilities.
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Chris Willingham, a former Marine dog handler and president of the United States War Dogs Association, expressed his surprise at the findings, stating he had not encountered such conditions during his nearly 20 years of service. He emphasized that military working dogs deserve the best care.
At Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Joint Base Langley-Fort Eustis in Virginia, inspectors reported severe mold issues in the kennels. Although Fort Bragg officials have prioritized mold remediation, they focused on housing and dining facilities first. At Langley, findings included standing water and canine waste in trenches, with handlers indicating a lack of budget for new facilities.
The report also criticized the staffing levels at the Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where dogs in the training program were reportedly exercised only 10 minutes, four times a week. With inadequate staffing, handlers attempted to compensate through alternative enrichment activities like inflatables and music. Internal disease affected 22 percent of the 520 dogs at Lackland in 2023, prompting the Inspector General to recommend reducing the dog population until staffing improved. The Air Force has acknowledged three dog fatalities at the training facility and supports the report’s recommendations for increased staffing and facility upgrades.
Dogs serve various critical roles in the military, including detection and patrol tasks. However, inspectors found that all 17 dogs at Camp Pendleton were unwell during their visit, often arriving sick from Lackland with heat-related issues. Similar problems were reported at Naval Base San Diego, where facilities left dogs exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Willingham noted that the U.S. War Dogs Association tracks the welfare of military working dogs and provides support to deploying teams. He expressed concerns about the potential decline in priority for dog teams, especially following the shutdown of the Special Operations Command’s dog program last year.
He recalled the life-saving roles these dogs played during his service, hoping that the issues raised in the report won't diminish the perceived importance of working dogs in the military.