Bill would have CBP adopt shelter dogs as workplace support animals
Placed on the calendarS. 4079Latest action
Sponsor: Ruben Gallego · Senator · AZ
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: PEARL Act
119th Congress
Topics: Immigration
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S. 4079 would create a pilot program for CBP to adopt shelter dogs as support dogs for its employees.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S. 4079, the PEARL Act, would require CBP to create a pilot program adopting dogs from local animal shelters and training them as support dogs. These dogs would join CBP's existing Support Canine Program, which provides comfort and morale support rather than detection or law enforcement work. CBP would have 60 days to launch the program, which ends automatically after three years unless extended.
Who does it affect?
CBP employees, who may have support dogs available in their workplaces, and local animal shelters, which could see some dogs adopted into the program.
Why does it matter?
The bill does not change immigration, customs, or border enforcement procedures, and leaves budget, dog numbers, and training details to CBP to determine.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 12, 2026
- Senate committee
- Senate voteYou are here · Sep 14, 2026
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: it was placed on the , and the official record shows no floor action on it since. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 569.