SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new bill in Illinois to give retired police dogs the care they deserve after a lifetime of service has been signed into law.
House Bill 3140 officially creates the Care for Retired Police Dogs Program, which reimburses handlers and adopters for veterinary expenses tied to a dog’s service-related injuries or age-related conditions. The bill is designed to honor and support K-9 officers who’ve worked five or more years in law enforcement or were injured in the line of duty.
“For a handler to be able to take that [medical cost] responsibility, to give that dog the best quality of life, this is going to help immensely," said Jeff Moore, a retired Illinois State Police K-9 handler.
Moore, who served 13 years with three different K-9s, has seen firsthand the toll the work can take on a dog’s body. From major drug busts to tracking down missing children, the jobs are demanding — and the medical bills after retirement can add up fast. He recalled the time one of his dogs helped stop a burglary.
“He climbed a six-foot ladder, went through the window, and when he jumped down, his back legs spread out and he tore one of the tendons in his hip,” Moore told WAND News. “The medications and everything that was required for him were not cheap.”
Under HB 3140, handlers can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per year, per dog, for veterinary costs. The program is not funded by taxpayers — instead, it is entirely funded through the sale of Illinois Police K-9 Memorial specialty license plates.
“The way they're funding this is fantastic,” Moore said. “There are so many animal lovers out there who would be more than willing to help. I hope and pray that it's going to be just a great program.”
The Illinois Secretary of State must receive at least 2,000 applications for the license plate for the program to officially launch. The plate costs an additional $25.
"For the funding source, our priority was to do this in a responsible way that does not create any cost to taxpayers," said Tre Sylvester, a consultant for the Illinois State Police Command Officers Association. "Grants will be funded exclusively by Illinois residents who choose to support the program through the Illinois Police K-9 Memorial Special License Plate."
State Rep. Tom Weber (R) told WAND News the measure was bipartisan and that he worked with Sen. Erica Harriss (R) to carry it through to the finish line.
He explained his passion for the bill began after hearing stories about the medical expenses handlers face once their K-9s retire. He knew there was something that could be done to help support four-legged officers.
"I just hope on my way back and forth to the Capitol over the next couple of years, I see a lot of canine memorial plates on my drive."
The program isn’t just about medical care — it’s about giving retired K-9s the peaceful, happy life they’ve earned.
House Bill 3140 was signed into law Friday and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
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