Veterans Affairs would award pet grants to nonprofits if funded

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) would run a pilot program that awards grants through a competition. The grants would go to nonprofits that provide dogs or cats as pets for veterans. Nonprofits would need to show humane treatment of pets and an effective working relationship with at least one veterans service organization. The bill would authorize $1 million for fiscal years 2027 and 2028; Congress would still need to provide the money. VA authority to award grants would end at the close of fiscal year 2028.

Grant recipients would provide the pets and pay for the required supplies and initial care. These requirements would cover dogs or cats provided to veterans through the pilot. Starter supplies would include a collar, leash, bedding, and food. VA could require other starter supplies and decide whether to cover medicines or shots for additional periods.