The National Police Association Supports the PEARL Act: A Second Chance for Shelter Dogs

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Police Association (NPA) endorses the Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love (PEARL) Act (H.R. 9327 / S. 4079), legislation introduced by Rep. Dave Joyce (OH-14) and co-led by Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46) in the House, and by Sen. Ruben Gallego (AZ) in the Senate. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to establish a three-year pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support animals for the agency's Support Canine Program.

The House passed H.R. 9327 on September 16, 2026. The Senate companion bill has been placed on the Legislative Calendar; text for the Senate bill is here, and House bill text is here.

The Support Canine Program was established in 2023 to address the rise in mental health incidents among CBP workers. Support dogs aid with employee trauma, grief, and morale. The bill is named for Pearl, a former CBP support canine.

Unlike the earlier PEARL Act (H.R. 3965) that passed the House in November 2025, this version authorizes no additional appropriations. Costs for expenses like training, veterinary care, and handlers would originate from existing CBP accounts.

CBP workers often operate in high-risk, emotionally charged environments, compounded by long work shifts in rugged terrain and extreme temperatures.

"Given the high expectations we place on CBP workers and their elevated risk of developing burnout and mental health issues, we owe them powerful wellness resources. A structured program that incorporates support dogs should be part of this," said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association.

Research has found that interacting with dogs can reduce stress and ease symptoms of depression and anxiety for some people.

"The PEARL Act would provide CBP with a resource known to aid people exposed to traumatic situations, while saving shelter dogs. It's a solid bipartisan bill," Fitzsimmons added.

The NPA commends lawmakers for introducing the PEARL Act and is grateful to the House for passing it. We urge the Senate to promptly work towards its passage.

To support anti-crime, pro-police legislation, join the NPA's Call to Action team. Receive email alerts on bills, including which lawmakers to contact.

About: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and the courts. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org.

Media Contact: Paula Fitzsimmons | 302-469-1765 | [email protected] 

SOURCE National Police Association