Under the new law, handlers will have the first opportunity to adopt the dogs one they are retired.

The bi-partisan Military Working Dogs Act of 2015 was introduced by U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.).

The Defense Department estimates there are more than 2,000 working dogs in various military branches worldwide. Until now, dogs could only retire in the United States if service members paid for their travel and other related costs.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Collect candy, play carnival games for prizes and do more not-so-scary stuff at Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday and Sunday. (Courtesy of Zoo Atlanta)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Zoo Atlanta

Featured

Thousands of "No Kings" protesters marched down Courtland Street from the Atlanta Civic Center to Liberty Plaza on Saturday. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: Abbey Cutrer