HELP PETS Act

HR 10048, the HELP PETS Act, prohibits federal funding for colleges and universities that conduct painful research on dogs or cats, effective 180 days after enactment. It directly affects institutions of higher education receiving federal funds by blocking support for such research, except for clinical veterinary studies (for an animal's benefit) or work involving service/military animals. The bill defines "painful research" as studies classified in USDA pain categories D or E, covering biomedical experiments causing significant pain. Exceptions ensure funding continues for veterinary care, service animal training, and military animal programs.