The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act will create a pilot program within the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to give veterans (suffering from PTSD) access to treatment derived from working with service dogs. Specifically, the VA will partner with non-profit organizations working with veterans and service dogs to create work-therapy programs wherein veterans learn the art and science of training dogs. Upon completion of the program, the veterans may adopt their dogs to provide continuing therapy.
Status: This bill was introduced in a previous session of Congress and was passed by the House on February 5, 2020 but was never passed by the Senate.