Plain Language Summary
# PEARL Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The PEARL Act (Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act) directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to create a pilot program that adopts dogs from local animal shelters and trains them as support animals. These dogs would be assigned to CBP employees to help with grief counseling, trauma recovery, and overall morale among border security personnel. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily benefits CBP officers and agents who deal with emotionally demanding situations at the border.
By sourcing dogs from local shelters rather than purchasing from breeders, the program would also support animal welfare efforts. The support dogs would provide mental health assistance to employees experiencing work-related stress and trauma, recognizing that border security work can take a psychological toll. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is currently awaiting action in the Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act or the PEARL ActThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs for CBP’s Support Canine Program. Support dogs are used for grief assistance, trauma mitigation, and morale.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.