Bill Seeks Statewide Veterans Service‑Dog Program, Fund to Leverage Public and Private Support

A state representative asked the committee to advance legislation to establish a Massachusetts Veterans Service Dog Program that would operate under the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services and create a Massachusetts Veteran Service Dog Fund to leverage public and private resources.

"This bill represents a meaningful, tangible step we can take to support their continuing well‑being," the sponsor said. Testimony described service dogs as a proven intervention that can reduce isolation, manage symptoms of post‑traumatic stress, and increase independence for veterans with mental‑health or physical disabilities.

The proposal would create eligibility criteria for veterans to receive trained service dogs and would authorize a dedicated fund to accept public and private contributions to sustain the program. The sponsor noted program design would include standards for training and placement and recommended coordination with existing nonprofit trainers and national placement organizations.

Committee members asked for additional detail on estimated caseload, projected fundraising needs, and how the state program would complement existing nonprofit and VA‑linked service‑dog providers. No formal action was taken during the hearing.