SENATE RULES COMMITTEE SR 71
Office of Senate Floor Analyses
(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478
THIRD READING
Bill No: SR 71
Author: Seyarto (R), et al.
Introduced: 2/27/24
Vote: Majority
SUBJECT: Service Dog Appreciation Month
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST: This resolution proclaims the month of September 2024 as Service Dog
Appreciation Month.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
1) Service dogs are extraordinary animals that enable their human companions to
live their fullest lives.
2) There are approximately 500,000 service dogs in the United States.
3) It takes roughly 18 to 24 months to train a service dog.
4) Service dogs wear a harness or vest that identifies their role.
5) The training and testing to become a service dog is difficult, with only about
one-half of the candidates succeeding in meeting the stringent standards.
6) California benefits from the assistance of K-9 officers, search and rescue dogs,
and many other service dogs that serve their communities.
7) Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for people in their careers
and everyday lives, and they can be trained to retrieve objects, assist with
balance, give seizure or diabetic alerts, or assist those with psychiatric
disabilities.
8) Service dogs improve various aspects of the quality of life of people with
physical or psychiatric disabilities or chronic health conditions, such as their
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psychosocial health, work- or school-life participation, life satisfaction,
independence, and self-esteem.
9) Service dogs also serve our nation’s wounded warriors suffering from
conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
10) Studies have shown that these incredible animals offer great benefits to their
owners, including reduced anxiety, lower blood pressure, and faster recovery
from medical events.
11) Studies have shown that service dogs not only decrease the frequency of their
owners’ medical episodes, such as hypoglycemia, but also positively impact
their owners’ physical health, well-being, and activity level.
12) In the United States, over 61 million individuals live with disabilities, yet less
than one percent have the assistance of service dogs.
13) Despite a significant need, the average wait time to obtain a service dog is
about three years.
14) September is celebrated as National Service Dog Month each year to honor the
contribution skilled K-9 partners offer to their owners.
This resolution:
1) Proclaims the month of September 2024 as Service Dog Appreciation Month.
2) States that Californians are grateful for the service and dedication these loyal
companions provide for their owners and communities.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 3/4/24)
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 3/4/24)
None received
Prepared by: Russell Manning / SFA / (916) 651-1520
3/6/24 14:16:40
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