The proposed legislation, H.R. 9327 in the House and S. 4079 in the Senate, directs the Department of Homeland Security to launch a three-year pilot program sourcing dogs from local animal shelters for the agency’s support unit. Unlike previous iterations of the bill, this version requires no new federal appropriations, mandating that training and veterinary costs be absorbed by existing agency budgets.
In section Releases
National Police Association Backs PEARL Act for CBP Canine Program
The National Police Association has thrown its weight behind the PEARL Act, a legislative push to integrate shelter dogs into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection workforce. The bill aims to bolster the agency's existing support canine initiative, providing mental health resources to agents operating in high-stress, high-risk environments.
The Support Canine Program, which debuted in 2023, was designed to mitigate rising rates of burnout, trauma, and grief among CBP personnel. By pairing employees with trained therapy dogs, the agency seeks to address the mental toll of long shifts in extreme conditions. Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director for the NPA, argued that the act serves a dual purpose: providing essential wellness support for officers while rescuing animals from shelters. The House approved the measure on September 16, 2026, and the bill now awaits action in the Senate.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!