Law enforcement canines serve in many different disciplines including narcotics detection, explosives detection, search and rescue, patrol, and human remains detection to name a few. These disciplines require a huge physical demand from the canine, and combined with the advanced age of these canines when they retire, often leave them with medical needs upon retirement.

When the time comes for the canine to retire, they are usually adopted by their handler or may sometimes be adopted by a loving family. Once the canine is retired, their owner is then responsible for the canine's medical bills. Retired Paws was created to provide financial support to help care for these canine heroes who have dedicated their lives to protecting us.

Retired Paws is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are deductible to the extent provided by law under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.