U.S. House Approves Bill for Border Patrol to Adopt Shelter Dogs as Support Canines
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love (PEARL) Act, a bill co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Bainbridge) and U.S. Rep. Lou Correa (D-California). This legislation establishes a three-year pilot program for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support canines. The bill, which was approved by a voice vote on Wednesday, requires no additional funds for its implementation. The CBP launched its Support Canine Program in 2023 to enhance staff morale, assist with grief and trauma recovery from critical incidents, and strengthen community outreach. Pearl was the name of the CBP's first therapy dog. A companion bill in the Senate, sponsored by Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona), was introduced on March 12 and has been placed on the Senate's legislative calendar.
