WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) helped introduce the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act to honor the impact of service dogs on the lives of disabled veterans.

“Working dogs provide crucial assistance to America’s active-duty servicemembers, first responders, and veterans with disabilities,” said Rep. Owens. “I strongly support the Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act to honor the contributions of working dogs and support the extraordinary service of these animals.”

This bipartisan legislation will instruct the Department of Treasury to mint a three-coin commemorative series to honor the critical role working dogs play in our society. All sales of coins will include a surcharge, which will be paid to America’s VetDogs for general expenses associated with the fulfillment of its mission. It costs more than $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one service dog; however, there is never a charge to the disabled veteran, servicemember, or first responder.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

 ###