CBP gets a three-year pilot to adopt shelter dogs as support animals
S. 4079 — PEARL Act · Filed by Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) · 5 cosponsors · Introduced Mar 12, 2026 · Reported out
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What it does
This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to launch a three-year pilot program adopting dogs from local animal shelters and training them as support dogs for CBP operations. The program must begin within 60 days of enactment. It is a straightforward animal-welfare measure that redirects shelter dogs to federal service work.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative mechanism is establishing a three-year pilot to adopt shelter dogs for CBP training. It is a narrow, time-limited animal-welfare initiative with no broader policy implications.
Who it affects
The bill creates a modest public good by giving shelter dogs a productive placement and purpose while supporting CBP operations. There is no cost to citizens—no new taxes, no restrictions on rights, no liability shifts.