PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act
Aug 25, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 329
Became law: Aug 25, 2021
Aug 25, 2021
Statute: 135 Stat. 329
Became law: Aug 25, 2021
Summary
Starts a test program for veterans with PTSD to get therapy by training dogs and allows the VA to give service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses.
What problem does this solve?
Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often need more treatment options to help with their symptoms. This law creates a new therapy program where veterans train dogs, which may help them heal, and gives more veterans access to service dogs.
What does this law do?
Creates a dog therapy pilot program
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to start a 5-year pilot program where veterans with PTSD receive therapy by training dogs.
Expands service dog eligibility
Allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses, even if they do not have a mobility impairment.
Provides veterinary insurance
Requires the VA to provide a commercial veterinary insurance policy for each service dog given to a veteran for PTSD or a physical impairment.
Partners with non-profit groups
Requires the VA to work with accredited, non-governmental service dog training organizations to carry out the program.
Allows veterans to adopt dogs
Permits a veteran in the program to adopt the dog they helped train if it is determined to be in the veteran's best interest.
Mandates humane training methods
Prohibits the use of shock collars or prong collars and requires the use of positive reinforcement training methods for the dogs.
Who does this affect?
- Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Service dog training organizations
What is the real world impact?
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Provides new therapy options for veterans
Explores new health programs, like dog training, to help veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manage their symptoms and improve their well-being.
When does this start?
The law sets multiple deadlines for starting and evaluating a new dog therapy program for veterans.
Pilot program start
The VA must start the dog training therapy pilot program within 180 days after the Act was passed.
GAO briefing
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must brief Congress on the program's methods no later than 1 year after it starts.
VA report to Congress
The VA Secretary must report recommendations to Congress about continuing or expanding the program 1 year before it ends.
GAO final report
The GAO must submit a final report on the program's results within 270 days after the 5-year pilot program ends.