H.R. 9525, the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act (SAVES Act)

The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act would establish a five-year pilot program and require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants to nonprofit organizations to assist in providing service dogs to eligible veterans. The bill would also cover training and provide each veteran veterinary insurance for the service dogs.



Research shows that service dogs provide numerous benefits to veterans, particularly those dealing with physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress and certain mental health conditions. Service dogs can perform tasks such as retrieving items, opening doors and providing balance support, which is especially helpful for veterans with mobility issues. Service dogs also enable veterans to live more independently and confidently. They can be trained to recognize and respond to medical emergencies such as seizures or panic attacks, providing an added layer of safety for veterans. These benefits collectively contribute to a better quality of life for disabled veterans and help them transition into civilian life more smoothly.



DAV supports H.R. 9525 in accordance with Resolution No. 590, which supports a consistent benefit for service dogs, to include reimbursement for any follow-up training deemed appropriate and a veterinary insurance benefit for the life of the service dog.



We call on all DAV members and supporters to contact their representatives and urge them to co-sponsor and support H.R. 9525, the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act.