After the 9/11 attacks, more than 200 SAR canines were deployed to the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Staten Island Landfill. Long-term medical and behavioral effects of disaster work on SAR dogs had never been evaluated. In response, a unique study was initiated to examine these dogs. Of the more than 200 SAR dogs deployed to the three sites, 97 were enrolled in an American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation-funded study headed by Cynthia Otto, DVM, Ph.D., at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The study’s purpose was to look into the health and behavioral effects from exposure to the disaster sites.

“These heroic dogs were critical to the search and rescue operation after September 11,” said Dr. Otto. “By participating in this study, these amazing animals are also providing us critical information that can be used to better prepare future teams.” Dr. Otto added that by monitoring the dogs, they are able to gain insight into health problems that may occur in the human workers at the disaster sites.

The study officially began in January 2002 with 97 dogs. After five years, about 50 of the surviving dogs are still participating. As reported in the September 15, 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the study found that the deployed dogs had not suffered any major short-term effects from their exposure to the sites. However, the study’s results do suggest that the deployed dogs may have been more exposed to antigens or particulates (small particles or toxins) during the study’s first year than other dogs in a “control” group that were similarly trained as SAR dogs but were not deployed. An initial stress response was also detected in deployed dogs during this first year. Since that time, these changes have resolved and the dogs are not exhibiting any measurable long-term effects from their exposure to the sites.

To thank the courageous dogs for their hard work — and to make sure they always receive the optimum medical treatment available — Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency (VPI) offered paid lifetime health insurance to all dogs directly involved in the 9/11 rescue efforts. Ninety dog handlers, many of whom are participating in Dr. Otto’s study, took advantage of the VPI paid lifetime health insurance policies.

“We will always remember the tragic events of September 11, as well as forever recall the horrific images we saw on news programs showing rescue workers and search and rescue dogs looking for survivors,” said Dennis P. Drent, president and CEO of VPI. “Their courageous efforts and hard work compelled us to give back to them any way that we could. By providing these deployed dogs with pet insurance for the rest of their lives, we ensure that they will always receive the necessary medical care to provide a healthy and happy life.”

As of August 30, 2006, the mortality rate in the deployed dogs (29.9%) is not statistically different than the rate in the controls (21.8%). The frequency of cancer as a cause of death in the deployed dogs (41.4%) is also not statistically different than the frequency in control dogs (50.0%). This rate is not unexpected in companion animals. The study advocates for continued vigilance to determine what, if any, long-term effects will manifest in these heroic dogs.

Currently, of the 90 dogs whose handlers accepted the offer, 77 deployed German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and other dogs are still insured with VPI. Also, 41 dogs in the control group will continue to receive paid-for VPI Pet Insurance through the end of next year. Now entering its sixth year, the Penn study is funded through December 2007. Dr. Otto hopes to extend surveillance for the lifetime of the deployed dogs so that their health may continue to be monitored for long-term effects from the disaster sites.

Following the September 11 attacks, Fire Lt. Roger Picard, a firefighter/paramedic with the City of Tampa, was deployed to the World Trade Center for seven days with his SAR Labrador Retriever, Jessie. “We worked mostly in the South Tower area; long, long hours,” says Lt. Picard. “Those animals brought a wonderful sense of hope to the mission. When they came out from digging, everyone stood back, quiet, hopeful that the dogs found someone alive. As rescuers, we knew our chances were slim, but the canines didn’t.”

Since July 2002, Jessie has been insured through VPI, her monthly premiums covered by the company. “It’s been extremely helpful,” Lt. Picard says. “Just recently, Jessie had a cancerous tumor which was removed successfully, and her insurance was a lifesaver. If we didn’t have VPI Pet Insurance, the procedure would have set me back quite a bit."