Military Dogs in San Diego: A Care Gap Revealed

The latest findings from the Department of Defense’s Inspector General highlight serious shortcomings in how military bases across San Diego County treat their working dogs. Over a three‑year span, two key facilities—Naval Base San Diego and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar—recorded 30 days of scorching heat above 85 °F and 94 days of biting cold below 45 °F, yet the dogs were kept in open‑air enclosures with chain‑link walls and metal roofs that let extreme weather in. Kennel masters at Camp Pendleton and Naval Base San Diego admitted that rain and poor drainage left many dogs soaking wet. This wetness caused solid waste to back up in the kennels, exposing canines to fecal matter and increasing disease risk. In fact, a military supplier sent three bases dogs already infected with Giardiasis—a contagious intestinal illness that can cause vomiting and weight loss. Camp Pendleton faced two outbreaks, and some imported dogs had histories of heat‑related injuries.While the bases are aware of the report, each issued statements claiming their care standards exceed what the Inspector General described. Naval Base San Diego pointed to biannual inspections and quarterly veterinary checks, asserting no major concerns. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar described an indoor‑outdoor kennel with manually operated doors, a drainage system to keep the area dry, and ventilation that monitors temperature. Camp Pendleton announced a new climate‑controlled kennel in early 2025, with tarps for weather protection and recent upgrades like turf and sunshades. Beyond San Diego, the report examined whether the Air Force’s main dog training center in Texas and 12 other bases provide adequate care for “non‑training status” dogs—those awaiting deployment, under medical review, or leaving service. Reviewers found that many facilities failed to give the required five hours of daily physical, social, and cognitive enrichment. Kennel quality also fell short in several locations. Critically, the report questions whether the Air Force’s oversight is sufficient to protect these animals’ well‑being. The bases’ responses suggest a gap between policy and practice, raising concerns about how military working dogs are cared for when they face extreme weather, disease exposure, and inadequate enrichment.