PEARL Act

This bill would create a pilot program at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them to serve as support dogs in CBP’s Support Canine Program. CBP would have to start the program within 60 days after the law is passed, and the pilot would run for three years before ending or being reconsidered. The goal is to use shelter dogs to provide support within CBP, rather than buying or sourcing dogs elsewhere.

Key points:

• Who is affected: CBP and local animal shelters; communities that partner with shelters may see more adoptions for selected dogs.
• What changes: CBP must adopt and train shelter dogs as support dogs as part of its Support Canine Program.
• When: The program must start within 60 days after the law takes effect and will last for three years.