NEW JERSEY – Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco’s bipartisan legislation to allow dogs, including emotional support animals, to visit residents at New Jersey’s veterans’ residential facilities has unanimously passed the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
“Many veterans return home carrying invisible wounds from their service, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which are all too common,” said Senator Bucco (R-25). “Allowing visits from emotional support dogs can offer comfort, ease stress, and support their healing.”
The bill, S-854, would permit temporary dog visits at the state’s three veterans’ memorial homes in Paramus, Menlo Park, and Vineland, as well as the state’s two transitional housing facilities in Glen Gardner and Winslow.
Under current federal law, only service animals are permitted on federal VA properties. This legislation expands that standard at the state level, giving New Jersey veterans’ homes the discretion to welcome emotional support animals and therapy dogs, whether brought by family members or by organizations such as shelters, veterans’ service groups, or nonprofits.
“This is a compassionate, commonsense step to improve the lives of our heroes who’ve sacrificed so much for our country and our freedoms,” Bucco added.
