CBP Canine Home Kenneling Pilot Act

H.R. 4057 would require the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish a two- or three-year pilot program allowing canine handlers at 10 or more ports of entry to house their working dogs at home rather than in contracted kennels. Currently, CBP is the only Department of Homeland Security agency that does not permit home kenneling of its working canines. The pilot program would test whether home kenneling benefits both the canines and their handlers, who work detecting narcotics and explosives at the border.

If enacted, the bill would require CBP to report to Congress on the program's implementation within one year and provide a final assessment within 180 days of the program ending. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the pilot would cost approximately $5 million over the 2025-2030 period, primarily for equipment and handler salaries. Supporters argue the program could improve canine welfare and handler performance, while providing data to inform future CBP canine management practices. The bill has passed the House Homeland Security Committee with bipartisan support and is now eligible for a full House floor vote.