ARMY DIR 2025-16 — Canine Holistic Health And Fitness
ARMY DIR 2025-16 governs the Army K9H2F Program, PAW Program, and Military Working Dog health and welfare policy.
- Publication number: ARMY DIR 2025-16
- Title: CANINE HOLISTIC HEALTH AND FITNESS
- Date: 08/21/2025
- Proponent: ASA (M&RA)
- Status: ACTIVE
View ARMY DIR 2025-16 on armypubs.army.mil
The publication establishes the Canine Holistic Health and Fitness Program and its Partner and Wellness Program. It requires unit compliance with health and welfare provisions, coordinated handler and dog movement during permanent changes of duty station, and canine enrichment tool purchases within 90 days.
Applies to: This directive applies to the Regular Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and U.S. Army Reserve.
Topics covered
- Military Working Dog wellness
- Canine Holistic Health and Fitness Program
- Partner and Wellness Program
- Canine enrichment tools
- Military Working Dog kennels
- Permanent change of duty station
Questions and answers
What does the PAW Program require during a permanent change of duty station?
The PAW program, hereby established as a subset of the Army K9H2F Program, mandates handlers and their assigned MWDs to move together during a permanent change of duty station. (paragraph 4)
Which units must comply with the Army K9H2F health and welfare provisions?
All U.S. Army units responsible for the health and welfare of MWDs will comply with the health and welfare provisions prescribed in reference 1c, hereby established as the Army K9H2F Program. (paragraph 4)
When must subordinate MWD units purchase canine enrichment tools?
Army command, Army service component command, and direct reporting unit MWD program managers will ensure their subordinate MWD units meet the requirements of the Army K9H2F program listed in this directive and reference 1c health and welfare requirements, including the purchase of canine enrichment tools within 90 days of the date of this directive. (paragraph 5)
What must military police MWD detachments do for their kennels?
Commanders of military police MWD detachments will ensure their kennels meet the requirements established in the Army K9H2F Program in accordance with this directive and reference 1c health and welfare requirements, including the purchase of canine enrichment tools within 90 days of the date of this directive. (paragraph 5)
Who approves Army K9H2F and PAW Program exceptions to policy?
The Provost Marshal General will approve all Army K9H2F Program and PAW Program criteria, guidance, and exceptions to policy. (paragraph 5)