Bill 117 HR 1448, also known as the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to provide funding for the training of service dogs to be used in therapy for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues.
The bill outlines that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will establish a program to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that train service dogs for veterans. These service dogs will be trained to provide emotional support, companionship, and assistance with daily tasks to veterans in need.
The PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act emphasizes the importance of the human-animal bond in improving the mental health and well-being of veterans. Research has shown that therapy dogs can help reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in veterans, and this bill aims to make these benefits more accessible to those who have served our country.
Overall, the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act seeks to support the mental health of veterans by providing them with access to trained service dogs. By funding the training of these dogs, the bill aims to improve the quality of life for veterans struggling with mental health issues and promote their overall well-being.