Committee backs pilot letting some CBP handlers keep working dogs at home

The House Committee on Homeland Security advanced HR 4057, the CBP K‑9 Home Kenneling Pilot Act, which would require CBP’s Office of Field Operations to establish a voluntary pilot to assess whether allowing handlers to keep working dogs at home (home kenneling) benefits canine welfare and operational performance.

Representative Correa, sponsor of the measure, said CBP’s Office of Field Operations is the only DHS law-enforcement component that currently does not allow officers to home‑kennel their working dogs. Correa described the pilot as lasting two to three years and taking place at a minimum of 10 ports of entry, including land crossings, seaports, and airports in urban and rural settings. He said the pilot would be voluntary for participating handlers and include training on canine care.

Representative Luttrell (Littrell in the transcript) and Representative Evans offered supportive remarks based on law-enforcement experience; Littrell said the pilot would ensure “comprehensive training to care for these canine partners” and called for reporting to Congress within the first year and a final program assessment at the pilot’s conclusion. Representative Gonzales, who represents a large portion of the southern border, said canine teams are “trusted partners” that help detect narcotics, weapons and human smuggling.

The committee reported the bill favorably by voice vote; the chair announced the ayes have it and the motion to reconsider was laid on the table. Committee discussion focused on program scope, oversight, handler training, and evaluation metrics; the bill text tasks CBP with developing pilot policies and reporting requirements if the law is enacted. Supporters emphasized canine health and morale as linked to detection performance; no amendments were adopted during markup.