- Working dogs operated by allied military forces and DoD contractors may be presented for medical care by HCPs. Established agreements permit HCPs to provide necessary emergency care, just as if these dogs were MWDs.
- The overarching goal when managing injured dogs is return to normal function and duty (RTD). Within reason, however, consider the adoption potential for dogs. Adoption of MWDs no longer fit for duty is authorized. Many MWDs with career-ending injuries have been successfully managed and ultimately adopted, some suffering these injuries while deployed. Consider emergency care, even if RTD is not likely but adoption is possible. HCPs should be reasonable, however, when considering the extent to which resources are allocated; dogs with multiple limb amputations or severe brain injury, for example, are not adoptable.
- Information concerning MWDs (e.g., unit of assignment, operating location, illness or injury data, functional status) should be considered confidential and treated as such.