Technical corrections only. The changes between v1 and v2 are limited to procedural updates in the bill's header, such as its reporting status and additional sponsors. There are no substantive policy changes to the text of the bill.
CBP Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46]
- Committees
- Homeland Security Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 26, 2025
Bottom line
This bill creates a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of allowing CBP canine handlers to house their assigned working dogs at home instead of centralized kennels.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations (OFO) to assess the benefits of home kenneling for canines. The program mandates the development of guidance and training for handlers, requires participation from at least ten diverse ports of entry, and will run for two to three years. A final report to Congress, including a cost-benefit and performance analysis, is required upon the pilot's termination.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that home kenneling can significantly improve canine welfare by providing a more stable and less stressful environment, fostering a stronger bond between handler and dog, which could lead to enhanced job performance. Additionally, it may offer cost savings by reducing the need for centralized kennel facilities and associated operational expenses.
Opponents contend
Opponents might raise concerns regarding potential liabilities, the challenges of ensuring consistent care standards across varied home environments, and the logistical complexities of managing medical emergencies or handler absences. They may also question the true cost-effectiveness if extensive oversight and support infrastructure are required for home kenneling.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Establishment of Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Program
This section mandates the Executive Assistant Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) to establish a canine home kenneling pilot program within one year of the bill's enactment. The program's primary goal is to assess whether allowing canine handlers to house their assigned working dogs at their residences, rather than in centralized facilities, would benefit both the OFO and the canines.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for exploring modern and potentially more humane and effective methods for housing working canines, which could lead to improved performance, handler satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the establishment of a pilot program itself, as its purpose is to gather data and evaluate feasibility. Concerns would likely focus on the implementation details and potential unforeseen challenges.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for innovation and potential improvements in canine welfare and operational effectiveness against the need for rigorous evaluation and careful implementation to mitigate unforeseen issues.
Section 2(b), (c), (d)
Guidance, Training, and Program Requirements for the Pilot
Prior to establishing the pilot, CBP must issue written guidance developed in consultation with other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components, the DHS Office of Health Security, and the National Treasury Employees Union. It also requires training for canine handlers on daily care and best practices for integrating working canines into their homes. The pilot program must include at least ten ports of entry (seaports, airports, land ports, urban, and rural locations), ensure voluntary handler participation, and run for a minimum of two years but not more than three years.
Section 2(e)
Congressional Briefing and Final Report
Within one year of the bill's enactment, CBP is required to provide a briefing to the appropriate congressional committees (House Homeland Security and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) detailing the pilot program's guidance, training, and requirements. Furthermore, within 180 days after the pilot program terminates, CBP must submit a comprehensive report to these committees. This report must include information on participating canine teams, findings from the pilot (including a cost-benefit, job performance, health, and wellbeing analysis comparing home kenneling with centralized practices), and recommendations regarding the continued use of home kenneling for CBP's Office of Field Operations.