Dog Injury Grant Program

Protect Your Partner When It Matters Most

Every protection or working dog takes the field with heart, courage, and commitment. The Working Grip Foundation’s Dog Injury Grant Program was created to ensure that when a dog is injured during legitimate protection training or competition, financial help is available to support their recovery.

Our Dog Injury Grant Purpose

The Dog Injury Grant Program is not an insurance policy and does not guarantee reimbursement of all expenses.
Our mission is to assist dog owners who face unexpected and often overwhelming veterinary or rehabilitation costs following a serious injury sustained during protection work. These grants exist to ease the financial strain when a working or sport dog is seriously injured doing what they were bred and trained to do—protect, perform, and serve. Grant awards are discretionary, subject to board approval and are based on availability of foundation funds and demonstrated hardship needs of the handler.

Who Is Eligible

Dog Grants are available exclusively to current, paid members of the Working Grip Foundation holding an active Dog Membership or Police K9 Team Membership at the time of injury.

To qualify:

  • The dog must be actively training, trialing, or competing in a recognized protection-based venue or personal protection program at the time of injury.

  • Recognized dog sport organizations include, but are not limited to: Mondioring, French Ring, Belgian Ring, KNPV, USCA, IGP, PSA, American Schutzhund, and any other organized protection dog sport organization as determined by the Board of Directors.

  • Eligibility also extends to dogs training for personal protection work with qualified personal protection trainers conducting bite work training, maintenance sessions, testing, or evaluations.

  • The injury must have been caused by a dog or sustained while the dog was actively working during bite work, trialing, or training activities.

  • Police K9s are eligible only for off-duty training or sport-related injuries. Injuries sustained during on-duty law enforcement operations are not covered.

  • The applicant must be the legal owner of the dog.

  • A single dog may not hold multiple memberships, and only one grant may be awarded per injury incident.

  • All grants are discretionary and subject to approval by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Grant awards are not guaranteed and may vary depending on available funds and the nature of the injury.

What the Grant Covers

The Dog Injury Grant helps offset veterinary and rehabilitation costs related to injuries sustained during eligible activities.
Common examples include:

  • Orthopedic injuries such as torn cruciate ligaments (CCL/ACL), luxating patella, or hip and elbow joint damage

  • Surgical procedures including TPLO or TTA repairs, bone fixation, or tendon repair

  • Diagnostic imaging and testing such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs

  • Dental trauma, including broken canine teeth, extractions, or root canal therapy following a bite-related injury

  • Soft-tissue injuries such as muscle tears, bruising, or lacerations requiring sutures

  • Rehabilitation care like hydrotherapy, laser therapy, or physical therapy sessions recommended by a veterinarian

  • Medications and follow-up visits directly tied to treatment and recovery

These examples are not exhaustive but illustrate the types of expenses the Foundation may assist with.

Grant awards vary based on demonstrated need and available funds, up to a maximum of $3,000 per injury event.
In cases of significant or catastrophic injury, a Named Donation Campaign may be launched in the dog’s name to allow the community to contribute additional support.

How It Works

Injuries to working and sport dogs can lead to costly and difficult treatment decisions. These grants are designed to lighten that burden and may make it possible for you to pursue the level of care your dog truly deserves—treatments that might otherwise be financially out of reach. When your dog gives their all, you owe it to them to have support when it matters most.

Eligible members can submit a grant application directly from their member account area.
The application will request a description of the injury, including how and where it occurred, and the names and contact information of any witnesses. Applicants will also be asked to provide supporting documentation as needed for verification and to help the Board determine the level of financial assistance appropriate for the situation.

Each application is reviewed by the Foundation’s Board to ensure fairness, accuracy, and responsible allocation of funds.
All awards are discretionary and subject to a vote of the Board of Directors. Approval and grant amounts are determined based on available funds, supporting documentation, and the circumstances surrounding the injury.

Our Commitment

We understand what it means to stand behind a dog that gives you everything it has. The Working Grip Foundation was built by handlers, decoys, and trainers who live this life every day.
Our Dog Injury Grant Program exists to make sure no member faces the financial hardship of a training-related injury alone.