Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love Act PEARL...
To establish in U.S. Customs and Border Protection a pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters to be trained as support dogs, and for other purposes.
HB9327, also known as the PEARL Act, aims to create a pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local shelters and train them as support dogs. This initiative hopes to provide emotional support and companionship to CBP officers and other federal employees.
The bill would directly impact CBP officers and federal employees who could benefit from the companionship and support of specially trained dogs. It could also benefit local animal shelters by providing more opportunities for adoption. The program could set a precedent for other federal agencies to adopt similar measures, potentially impacting other federal employees nationwide.
As of September 16, 2026, the bill has been introduced, referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, reported back with a favorable recommendation, and passed by the House. It has been received by the Senate and awaits further consideration. The bill's next steps will determine its potential to become law and establish the pilot program.
