This bill mandates that the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) contract with a recognized service dog training agency to provide psychiatric service dogs to first responders, health care workers, and other frontline workers who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill defines PTSD and psychiatric service dogs, outlining the eligibility criteria for individuals to receive a service dog, which includes being a state resident, a frontline worker, and having a PTSD diagnosis certified by a physician or mental health provider. Eligible individuals must also apply through a prescribed process and adhere to care standards for the service dog.

Individuals who qualify will receive a trained psychiatric service dog at no cost, but they will be responsible for licensing and registering the dog in their municipality, as well as covering all costs related to the dog's shelter and care. The bill also allows individuals the option to maintain ownership of the service dog, with the stipulation that if they choose not to keep it, the dog must be returned to the DHS, which will then return it to the training agency. The bill aims to address the mental health challenges exacerbated by the pandemic by providing support through trained service dogs.