Bill > A05080

This bill authorizes the New York State Department of Veterans' Services to provide financial assistance to eligible veterans for service dogs and emotional support dogs. Specifically, the bill defines a service dog as one that assists with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and an emotional support dog as a dog providing therapeutic support. Veterans can receive up to $7,500 for purchasing and training a service dog from an organization, or up to $5,000 if obtaining a service dog from a professional trainer or through self-training, with an additional monthly stipend of at least $50 for the dog's upkeep. For emotional support dogs, veterans can receive up to $500 for purchase and training, plus a monthly stipend of at least $35. To qualify, a veteran must be a New York State resident who served in the military with an honorable discharge, have a diagnosed PTSD or TBI-related disability, obtain a medical professional's certification that a dog would be beneficial, and have an annual income of $50,000 or less. The bill will take effect 180 days after becoming law.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5080