UFPO Endorses the PEARL Act to Support CBP Employee Wellness

The United Federation of Police Officers (UFPO) endorses the Providing Emotional Assistance with Relief and Love (PEARL) Act, legislation that would strengthen wellness support for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel through the agency’s Support Canine Program.

The PEARL Act would direct the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, acting through CBP, to establish a three-year pilot program to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them as support dogs.

Supporting Those Who Serve

CBP personnel routinely face demanding assignments, long shifts, difficult terrain, and extreme temperatures. The cumulative demands of this work underscore the importance of accessible employee wellness resources.

The U.S. Border Patrol established its Support Canine Program in 2023 to support employee mental health, assist personnel experiencing trauma and grief, and improve morale. The PEARL Act is named for Pearl, a yellow Labrador who was among the program’s early support dogs.

UFPO believes that the responsibilities entrusted to law enforcement personnel must be matched by meaningful support for their health and well-being. A structured support canine program can complement other wellness resources available to these employees.

A New Opportunity for Shelter Dogs

By partnering with local animal shelters, the proposed pilot program could also give dogs a new purpose while helping alleviate shelter overcrowding. The legislation authorizes no additional appropriations.

Supporting the PEARL Act

UFPO encourages members and supporters to contact their U.S. senators and urge support for the PEARL Act.

Providing meaningful wellness resources is one way to recognize the demands placed on law enforcement personnel and support those who serve.

Legislative Progress: House Passage and Senate Consideration

The PEARL Act (H.R. 9327) passed the U.S. House of Representatives on September 16, 2026, advancing legislation to establish a three-year pilot program that would adopt shelter dogs and train them for CBP’s Support Canine Program.

The Senate companion legislation, S. 4079, was reported with an amendment by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on September 14, 2026, and placed on the Senate legislative calendar as Calendar No. 569. This represents progress beyond its initial committee referral and positions the measure for potential consideration by the full Senate. Placement on the calendar does not establish a vote date.

UFPO welcomes these legislative steps and encourages members and supporters to contact their U.S. senators and urge support for the PEARL Act. Before the legislation can become law, both chambers must approve identical text and the measure must complete the presidential approval process.