WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish a program to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist them in carrying out programs to provide service dogs to eligible veterans. Joining Senators Tillis and Blumenthal were Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Angus King (I-ME). The SAVES Act builds on the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act that was introduced by Senator Tillis and signed into law.
“Long after the fighting on the battlefield ends, too many of the courageous servicemembers come home and continue to battle against enemies that many consider just as insidious as those with guns, grenades, and rockets. That is why in 2021, I introduced the PAWS Act that created a pilot program to provide canine training to eligible veterans, but it is clear we must continue to build on that effort to ensure this program is expanded to veterans in need,” said Senator Tillis. “The SAVES Act will allow more veterans who are struggling with the invisible wounds of war to receive service dogs that could ultimately save their lives. We must repay the debt to the men and women who served our country, I hope congress quickly passes this legislation to provide them with his important resource.”
“Service dogs provide vital support to our brave servicemembers struggling with PTSD and other service-related injuries after they return from the battlefield,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Military men and women are often fighting invisible battles when they return home from service, and these canine companions are able to offer them comfort and ease their transition back into civilian life. The SAVES Act ensures that nonprofits have the necessary resources to provide our nation’s heroes with access to the essential and even life-saving assistance of service dogs.”
“Service dogs have a proven track record of providing life-saving assistance to Veterans in critical need,” said Bill McCabe, Vice President of Government & External Affairs, K9s For Warriors. “The SAVES Act will ultimately put more service dogs in the hands of Veterans with visible and invisible disabilities, allowing them to regain their independence and reintegrate into civilian life. We applaud this bipartisan, bicameral effort and urge Congress to pass this important legislation without delay.”
“The therapeutic benefits service dogs provide can profoundly empower veterans to battle the invisible wounds of war and assist those facing physical challenges from mobility issues to blindness,” said Joy IIem, National Legislative Director, Disabled American Veterans. “DAV is proud to support the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act and thanks Sen. Tillis for championing this vital legislation to unleash the healing power of service dogs.”
“Service dogs don’t just change lives—they save them,” said Cole T. Lyle, Director of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, American Legion. “For veterans navigating the unseen scars of war, these remarkable companions are a lifeline to independence, stability, and hope. Their loyalty and unconditional love restore purpose and dignity, proving that the wounds of war can heal through the strength of the human-animal bond. However, training a service dog to meet the specialized needs of veterans comes with significant costs—often ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per dog. This expense covers everything from intensive training to ensure the dog can assist with tasks like mobility support or PTSD mitigation, to veterinary care and matching veterans with their perfect companion. For many veterans, these costs are prohibitive and can stand in the way of accessing this life-changing support. Grants and funding initiatives, such as those provided under the SAVES Act (Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act), play a critical role in bridging this gap. The SAVES Act provides federal grants to organizations that train and place service dogs with veterans. By alleviating the financial burden, this act ensures that veterans can access the support they need without the barrier of high costs. It represents a commitment to honoring our heroes by investing in their recovery and well-being. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Congress for their steadfast support in advancing the SAVES Act. Special thanks to Senator Tillis, Congressman Luttrell, Congressman McGarvey, and Senator Blumenthal for championing this vital legislation.”
Background:
It is estimated that upwards of 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans have PTSD and more than 485,000 service members have been diagnosed with at least one traumatic brain injury over the past two decades. As a result, these veterans suffer from alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, joblessness, homelessness, substance use disorder and other negative behaviors. Far too often, they resort to taking their own lives – roughly 20 veterans die by suicide each day, nearly one an hour.
Under the SAVES Act, nonprofit organizations would be required to submit an application to the Secretary that includes a description of the training that will be provided by the organization to eligible veterans; the training of dogs that will serve as service dogs; the aftercare services that the organization will provide for the service dogs and eligible Veteran; the plan for publicizing the availability of service dogs through a marketing campaign; the committee of the organization to have humane standards or animals. Nonprofit organizations would also need to certify that they are accredited by Assistance Dogs International or another widely recognized accreditation organization.
Full text of the legislation is available HERE.
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