Memo Header
SECRETARY OF THE ARMY
WASHINGTON
2 B JAN 2013
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2013-01 (Guidance on the Acquisition and Use of Service
Dogs by Soldiers)
1.References:
2.Purpose. This directive sets forth policies and procedures for the acquisition and
use of service dogs by wounded, ill and injured Soldiers with disabilities for whom a
service dog is clinically indicated. The guidance in this directive is applicable to all
Soldiers regardless of component or duty status. It also sets forth certain requirements
for Soldiers who have already received and are using a service dog. This directive does
not apply to emotional support animals, therapy animals and activity animals. This
directive does not prevent Soldiers from owning pets, subject to installation pet policies.
3.Definitions
4.Access to Army Facilities and Spaces. Service dogs will be given access to those
Army facilities and spaces generally open to the public, including (but not limited to)
installations, hospitals, treatment facilities, recreational facilities, barracks and other
structures, as long as such access does not compromise public health (including
infection control standards), safety, readiness, mission accomplishment, and good order
and discipline.
5.Acquisition of Service Dogs
6.Deployment Status. Soldiers for whom a service dog is recommended are not
deployable.
7.Determination of Eligibility for and Acquisition of a Service Dog. The following
procedures must be used in determining eligibility for and acquisition of a service dog.
8.If the Soldier is not approved for a service dog or if a Soldier is unable to obtain a
service dog from a VA-recognized source, the Soldier may nonetheless obtain a dog,
subject to installation policies on pets.
9.Dogs Acquired Before Effective Date
10.Care and Control of Service Dogs. Soldiers with service dogs that are subject to
this policy shall comply with the following requirements:
11.Responsibilities. The Surgeon General is the proponent for this directive and shalt:
Enclosure7
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2013-01 (Guidance on the Acquisition and Use of Service Dogs by Soldiers) DISTRIBUTION: Principal Officials of Headquarters, Department of the Army Commander U.S. Army Forces Command U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command U.S. Army Materiel Command U.S. Army Europe U.S. Army Central U. S. Army North U.S. Army South U.S. Army Pacific U.S. Army Africa U. S. Army Special Operations Command Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command (Army) U.S. Army Medical Command U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command U. S. Army Criminal Investigation Command U. S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Military District of Washington U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command U.S. Ar my Installation Management Command Superintendent, United States Military Academy Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center CF: Commander, U.S. Army Cyber Command Commander, Eighth U.S. Army Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Command Director, Army National Guard Director, Business Transformation Executive Director, Army National Military Cemeteries 8 SAMPLE MEMORANDUM RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A SERVICE DOG FROM SOLDIER'S PRIMARY CARE MANAGER TO FI RST GENERAL OFFICER OR MEMBER OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE IN SOLDIER'S CHA IN OF COMMAND PRIMARY CARE MANAGER'S OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD OFFICE SYMBOL Date MEMORANDUM THAU Chain of Command FOR (Insert Name of First General Officer or Memoer of the Senior Executive Service in the Soldier's Chain of Command) SUBJECT: Recommendation for Approval of a Service Dog for (Insert Soldier's Name, Rank and Unit of Assignment)
EnclosureOFFICE SYMBOL
SUBJECT: Recommendation for Approval of a Service Dog for (Insert Soldier's Name, Rank and Unit of Assignment)