diff --git a/server/index.js b/server/index.js
index 3bbc57a..814c680 100644
--- a/server/index.js
+++ b/server/index.js
@@ -47,6 +47,10 @@ app.use('/static',  express.static(STATIC_PATH));
 app.use('/uploads', (_req, res) => res.status(404).json({ error: 'Upload not found' }));
 app.use('/static',  (_req, res) => res.status(404).json({ error: 'Static asset not found' }));
 
+// Liveness probe for the container HEALTHCHECK (note: /api/health is the
+// dog health-records API, not a status endpoint)
+app.get('/healthz', (_req, res) => res.json({ status: 'ok' }));
+
 // ── API Routes ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 app.use('/api/dogs',    require('./routes/dogs'));
 app.use('/api/litters',  require('./routes/litters'));