The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) works around the clock to keep the Nation safe in air, on land, at sea, and in cyberspace. Every day, the 280,000+ DHS workforce, executes a complex and operationally diverse mission set domestically and internationally. To empower the DHS workforce and mission, the DHS Office of Health Security’s (OHS) Total Workforce Protection Directorate identifies, develops, and implements novel policies and resources to support employees and their overall wellness. What you may not consider is that ensuring the health and safety of a 280,000+ workforce also includes approximately 3,350 four-legged employees across the frontline, of which 3,000 are canines and approximately 350 are equines. The DHS Working Animal Program, managed by OHS’ veterinarian LCDR Debbie Joseph, leads the Department-wide effort to improve the overall physical, veterinary health, and well-being of DHS animal employees to enable them to perform their job duties to the best of their ability. This is accomplished through a variety of efforts including veterinary medical health, policy oversight and technical support services. This poster presentation by LCDR Joseph will cover the extensive efforts by the Department to care for and protect our working animal force and will explain why it is critical to care for the Department’s four legged employees.