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The PAWS Act of 2021: Enhancing Support for Veterans through Service Dogs
Introduced in the House of Representatives on February 11, 2021, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Act of 2021, also known as the PAWS Act of 2021, aims to support veterans by pairing them with service dogs. This bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a grant program that provides funding to organizations facilitating the pairing of service dogs with eligible veterans.
Under this program, organizations receiving grants must offer comprehensive support, including veterinary health insurance coverage, necessary hardware, and travel expenses for both the service dog and the participating veteran. Eligible veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health care system, have been evaluated and treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may benefit from a service dog, and are willing to complete the training provided by an eligible organization. To ensure the ongoing benefits, veterans must have regular check-ins with a VA health care provider every six months.
The eligible organizations must be nonprofit organizations that specialize in providing service dogs to veterans with PTSD, meet the standards set by the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans, demonstrate expertise in addressing the needs of veterans with PTSD, commit to covering additional costs beyond the grant amount, agree to reaccept or replace a service dog if necessary and submit an application to the VA.
Importantly, any improvement in PTSD symptoms resulting from the provision of a service dog will not affect a veteran's eligibility for other VA benefits. The Government Accountability Office has also been tasked with reporting on the effectiveness of the grant program.
The PAWS Act of 2021 is a significant step towards providing crucial support to veterans suffering from PTSD by connecting them with service dogs. By establishing a grant program and setting requirements for participating organizations, this legislation aims to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for our honored servicemembers.
For more information on the PAWS Act of 2021 and its impact on veterans, please visit the official website of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or reach out to your local VA office. Together, we can support our veterans and ensure they receive the assistance they deserve. 🐾
If you are a veteran or know someone who may qualify for the PAWS Act program but need assistance in navigating the process, don't hesitate to reach out to Amanda Allen. As a member of the Veteran Business Alliance, Amanda has the expertise and resources to help you determine eligibility and guide you through the necessary steps. Whether you're unsure where to begin or need support in accessing the benefits you deserve, Amanda is here to assist you. Contact her today to get the help you need and embark on the journey towards pairing with a service dog.
Source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1022
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Thank you for your service!
Amanda Allen, MRP - 903-603-0648
Realtor and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) at RE/MAX Landmark. It's an honor to assist veterans and active-duty service members in their real estate journey.
You can visit my website at www.AmandaAllenHomes.com to learn more about my services and read my real estate & military articles, and feel free to reach me at 903-603-0648. Thank you again for reading, and I look forward to assisting you on your real estate journey.
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