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Honoring Service Animals: A Conversation with the National Service Animals Monument
APPA Gives Back calendar    Sep 06, 2026

Honoring Service Animals: A Conversation with the National Service Animals Monument

Samantha Hudak
Samantha Hudak

September is National Service Dog Month, a time to recognize the dogs who guide, alert, protect, and support their handlers every single day. Few organizations understand that mission better than the National Service Animals Monument, dedicated to honoring the sacrifice and service of these remarkable animals.

We sat down with Susan Bahary, Chair of the National Service Animals Monument, to talk about their work, why this month matters, and the Purple Poppy Awards, an annual recognition program that APPA is proud to sponsor this year. Here's what they had to say.

For readers who aren't familiar, can you tell us about the National Service Animals Monument and its role in honoring service animals?

The National Service Animals Monument (www.nationalserviceanimalsmonument.org) will be the first national monument on federal land dedicated to honoring working and service animals and their handlers. Approved by Congress in December of 2022, it will create a powerful and enduring national experience—one that honors service, sacrifice, and the extraordinary human–animal bond at the heart of American history.

From working dogs and assistance animals to war horses, dolphins, and other service animals, the monument will honor their contributions while placing them within the broader narrative of American service and sacrifice. Interpretive elements—including engraved plaques and a mobile experience—will share powerful true stories of these unsung heroes and the critical roles they have played throughout U.S. history.

We are currently in the site selection and fundraising phase of the project, and we are honored that Congresswoman Jen Kiggans of Virginia and Congressman Don Davis of South Carolina have introduced legislation to authorize placement of the monument within the Reserve – the heart of Washington’s commemorative core.

 

September is National Service Dog Month — why does this month matter, and how does the Monument mark it?

National Service Dog Month recognizes the role that assistance dogs play in the lives of the people who depend on them. The specialized, individualized training that these animals receive is essential to the lives and well-being of their human partners. Calling attention to this encourages support for the programs that train these dogs and the resources available to those in need.

The National Service Animals Monument celebrates this service alongside other ways trained and specialized animals have contributed to the American story throughout history. The monument will include tributes to assistance animals, guide dogs, search & rescue teams, military and law enforcement animals, and others.


Can you tell us about the Purple Poppy Awards and what they were created to recognize?

Now in their fourth year, the Purple Poppy Awards recognize people, animals, and organizations whose work significantly contributes to awareness of and support for service animals and their handlers. The purple poppy is the international symbol for animals who lost their lives in military service, and we embrace that symbolism in recognizing our honorees.

 

APPA is proud to sponsor the Purple Poppy Awards this year — what does that partnership mean for the program, and what are you hoping it helps achieve?

We are deeply grateful to APPA for serving as our presenting sponsor for this year’s Purple Poppy Awards. With the awards being held in Washington for the first time, APPA’s support allows us to welcome even more guests to our reception at the National Law Enforcement Museum on Thursday, September 17.

APPA’s leadership in contributing to the National Service Animals Monument Project also sends a clear message to the broader pet care community that our effort is serious and worthy of support.

 

How can people get involved with the National Service Animals Monument and the Purple Poppy Awards this year and in the future?

NSAM tells an underserved part of the American story and helps to connect it to our past, present, and future. As we move forward, we invite everyone to learn more by visiting www.nationalserviceanimals.org. There you can contribute, learn about upcoming events, and contact us to get involved. One of the best and easiest ways to help out right now is to contact your Congressional office and urge them to cosponsor HR 9582, the National Service Animals Monument Location Act. You can find the bill text, additional information, and a way to look up your Member of Congress here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9582 

 
Samantha Hudak

Director of Education & Advocacy Marketing at APPA

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