SAVES Act

Key Points

• The Department of Veterans Affairs would create a new pilot program to help veterans get service dogs. The government would give grants of up to $2 million each to nonprofit groups that train and provide these dogs. This ensures more veterans can get the help they need without paying out of pocket.
• To qualify, a veteran must be enrolled in VA healthcare and have a doctor's prescription for a service dog. The program focuses on veterans dealing with conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, blindness, or physical disabilities that make it hard to move around or live independently.
• Nonprofits receiving these grants are strictly forbidden from charging veterans any fees for the dogs. They must also follow high standards for humane animal treatment and show they have experience training dogs that meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• The VA may also provide veterans with commercial veterinary insurance to help cover the cost of medical care for their service dogs. This insurance would continue even after the pilot program ends, making sure the dogs stay healthy and able to work for their owners.
• The plan authorizes $10 million in spending every year from 2027 through 2031. This funding is meant to increase the number of service dogs available and reduce the long wait times many veterans currently face when trying to find a trained animal assistant.

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