4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Nov 19, 2025)

Technical and procedural changes only. The two versions of H.R. 3965 reflect its legislative status, with v3 being the version engrossed in the House and v4 being the version referred to the Senate. There are no substantive policy changes between v3 and v4.

H.R. 3965119th CongressIntroduced Jun 12, 2025

PEARL Act

Passed HouseImmigrationSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23]
Committees: Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Nov 20, 2025

Bottom line

This bill creates a temporary pilot program for CBP to source support dogs from animal shelters, integrating animal welfare with federal agency support services for employee well-being.

What it actually does

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt dogs from local animal shelters. These adopted dogs will be trained to serve as support dogs within CBP's existing Support Canine Program, providing emotional assistance to personnel. The program is mandated to be established within 60 days of the Act's enactment.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill provides a humane and cost-effective way to source support animals for federal agents, leveraging existing animal shelters and giving dogs a second chance. It also enhances the well-being of CBP personnel by expanding access to emotional support animals, which can reduce stress and improve morale in demanding roles.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that while well-intentioned, this program could divert resources or focus from CBP's primary mission of border security. Concerns could also be raised about the suitability of shelter dogs for rigorous training as support animals, potential costs associated with training and care, and whether such a program is the most efficient use of taxpayer funds for employee welfare.

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.

Section 2(a)

Establishment of CBP Support Dog Pilot Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section mandates that within 60 days of the bill becoming law, the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), must create a pilot program. The purpose of this program is to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them to become support dogs for CBP's existing Support Canine Program, providing emotional assistance to personnel.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupU.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)ImpactEstablishes a new operational program for sourcing support dogs.MechanismMandate to establish a pilot program within 60 days.ScaleAgency-wide, but limited to a pilot program.

GroupLocal Animal SheltersImpactProvides an avenue for dog adoption, potentially reducing shelter populations.MechanismCBP adopts dogs from shelters.ScaleLocal shelters participating in the program.

GroupCBP PersonnelImpactIncreased access to support dogs for emotional assistance.MechanismExpansion of the Support Canine Program.ScaleIndividual CBP agents and officers.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision offers a dual benefit: it provides deserving shelter dogs with a purpose and a home, while simultaneously enhancing the mental well-being and morale of CBP agents who often work in high-stress environments. It is seen as a compassionate and practical approach to employee support.

Critics contend

Critics might contend that while the intent is good, the operational logistics and costs associated with training and maintaining these support dogs, even from shelters, could be significant. They might question if this is the most efficient or appropriate use of CBP resources, suggesting that existing programs or alternative support mechanisms might be more effective.

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the desire to support animal welfare and provide emotional assistance to federal employees against potential administrative burdens, training costs, and the suitability of shelter animals for specific support roles.

Section 2(b)

Pilot Program Duration

prominently featuredstraightforward

This subsection specifies that the pilot program established under Section 2(a) will automatically terminate three years after the date it is officially established. This sets a clear time limit for the program's initial phase, allowing for evaluation before any decision on permanent implementation.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Nov 19, 2025)

H.R. 3965119th CongressIntroduced Jun 12, 2025

PEARL Act

Passed HouseImmigrationSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23]
Committees: Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
Last action: Nov 20, 2025

Bottom line

This bill creates a temporary pilot program for CBP to source support dogs from animal shelters, integrating animal welfare with federal agency support services for employee well-being.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.

Section 2(a)

Establishment of CBP Support Dog Pilot Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupLocal Animal SheltersImpactProvides an avenue for dog adoption, potentially reducing shelter populations.MechanismCBP adopts dogs from shelters.ScaleLocal shelters participating in the program.

GroupCBP PersonnelImpactIncreased access to support dogs for emotional assistance.MechanismExpansion of the Support Canine Program.ScaleIndividual CBP agents and officers.

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

Section 2(b)

Pilot Program Duration

prominently featuredstraightforward