A meaningful and long-overdue tribute is currently in development in Washington, D.C.—a national memorial dedicated to honoring the vital role of America’s service animals and their handlers. The project is moving forward, with the next step focused on selecting a permanent location in the nation’s capital.

This initiative recognizes the invaluable contributions of service animals across all fields—military, police, search and rescue, medical assistance, emotional support, and more. These animals serve with loyalty and purpose, often risking their lives to protect, support, and guide humans in critical situations.

At the heart of the project is Susan Bahary, a renowned sculptor whose work has brought long-overdue recognition to animals in service. Her sculptures are known for capturing not only the form, but the spirit and dignity of the animals she portrays. Bahary is also the artist behind the moving tributes to John Douangdara and his military working dog Bart, with one memorial located at Siouxland Freedom Park in Nebraska, and another—“Service and Sacrifice”—now a permanent part of the U.S. Navy Memorial Visitor’s Center in Washington, D.C.

This new memorial will stand as a permanent reminder of the enduring bond between service animals and the people they work beside. It represents a national commitment to honoring not only human service, but the profound and often under-recognized contributions of animals in our shared efforts to protect and serve.

National Service Animals Memorial Website