The FETCH Act of 2026 expands the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program—a major source of federal law enforcement funding—to allow police departments to use these grant funds for comprehensive police dog programs. The bill permits departments to cover a wide range of K9-related expenses, including acquiring and training dogs, veterinary care, medications, food, protective equipment, kennel facilities or home-care stipends for officers, and post-retirement care for retired service dogs. This change affects local law enforcement agencies nationwide that receive federal grant money for crime prevention and public safety. The legislation does not specify new funding amounts or timelines, instead redirecting existing grant resources to K9 units. By allowing departments to use Byrne grants for police dog programs, the bill aims to help agencies equip and maintain their canine units without requiring separate budget allocations.
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