Military Dogs Died Due to Unsatisfactory Kennel Conditions, DOD Report Finds

Investigators found issues like lack of protection from extreme weather, mold, and insufficient exercise at bases across the country.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A new report from the Defense Department's Inspector General's Office has revealed that four military working dogs died between 2021 and 2023 due to "aging and unsatisfactory kennel conditions." Investigators examined 12 kennels at bases around the country and found that they did not consistently protect the dogs from extreme weather, mold, or provide enough daily physical activity and enrichment.

Why it matters

The report highlights ongoing issues with the care and living conditions of military working dogs, which play a critical role in various operations. Proper kennel facilities and daily exercise are essential for the health and wellbeing of these highly trained animals, and the findings raise concerns about the Pentagon's prioritization of necessary upgrades and maintenance.

The details

The report found that 10 of the 12 kennels examined had substandard conditions. At the Air Force's 341st Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, investigators observed that 230 "non-training" dogs were only walked for 10 minutes four times a week, far below the required five hours of daily activity. This lack of enrichment led to stress behaviors in the dogs. The report also noted that several bases in hot-weather states kept dogs in open-air kennels during peak summer heat, resulting in 22 heat injuries.

  • Between 2021 and 2023, four military working dogs died due to the poor kennel conditions.
  • The Defense Department's Inspector General's Office released the report on Tuesday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Defense Department's Inspector General's Office

The oversight agency that conducted the investigation and released the report on the military working dog kennel conditions.

341st Training Squadron

The Air Force unit at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas that provides training for all military working dogs and was found to have significant issues with the care and exercise of "non-training" dogs.

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What’s next

The Inspector General's Office has recommended that the 341st Training Squadron reduce the number of "non-training" dogs and develop a plan to upgrade the kennel facilities to meet current standards. The Air Force has agreed to the recommendations and is working to address the issues.

The takeaway

This report underscores the need for the military to prioritize the proper care and living conditions of its working dogs, which are essential to various operations. The findings highlight systemic problems with kennel facilities across multiple bases and the consequences of neglecting the basic needs of these highly trained animals.