Homeland Security Committee, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act, also known as the PEARL Act, establishes a pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support animals for CBP staff. CBP will launch the program within 60 days of the act’s enactment , ensuring a rapid start to the initiative. The program is designed to provide emotional support to border officers, potentially reducing stress and improving workplace well‑being. It will run for three years , after which the program’s effectiveness will be evaluated. The bill also promotes animal welfare by giving shelter dogs a meaningful role and may serve as a model for other federal agencies.
Animal protection and human-animal relationshipsBorder security and unlawful immigrationGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementLaw enforcement officersMental healthService animals
PEARL Act
USA119th CongressHR-3965| House
| Updated: 11/20/2025
The Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act, also known as the PEARL Act, establishes a pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support animals for CBP staff. CBP will launch the program within 60 days of the act’s enactment , ensuring a rapid start to the initiative. The program is designed to provide emotional support to border officers, potentially reducing stress and improving workplace well‑being. It will run for three years , after which the program’s effectiveness will be evaluated. The bill also promotes animal welfare by giving shelter dogs a meaningful role and may serve as a model for other federal agencies.