National Police Association Backs PEARL Act to Expand CBP Support Dogs from Shelters
Event summary
- The National Police Association (NPA) endorses the PEARL Act (H.R. 9327 / S. 4079), a bipartisan bill to establish a three-year pilot program for adopting shelter dogs as support animals for CBP workers.
- The House passed H.R. 9327 on September 16, 2026, with the Senate companion bill placed on the Legislative Calendar.
- The program aims to address rising mental health incidents among CBP workers, with costs covered by existing CBP accounts.
- The PEARL Act is named after Pearl, a former CBP support canine, and builds on the Support Canine Program established in 2023.
The big picture
The PEARL Act reflects growing recognition of mental health challenges in high-stress law enforcement roles, aligning with broader industry trends toward wellness programs. The NPA's endorsement underscores the bipartisan appeal of combining employee support with animal rescue, though the program's success hinges on effective implementation within existing budget constraints.
What we're watching
- Legislative Progress
- Whether the Senate will promptly pass the PEARL Act, given its bipartisan support and the House's recent approval.
- Program Effectiveness
- The impact of the pilot program on CBP worker mental health and morale, and whether it justifies broader adoption.
- Budget Constraints
- How existing CBP accounts will manage the costs of training, veterinary care, and handlers without additional appropriations.