HR 1031: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's facility dogs and their Canines For Kids Program; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It praises Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, described as the state's leading pediatric healthcare provider serving children from all 159 Georgia counties, for its Canines For Kids Program. The resolution recounts facts about the program: it began in 2009 as the first of its kind in the country, its facility dogs go through 18 months of training, and each dog is paired with a Children's Healthcare employee handler. It notes the organization currently has 16 full-time facility dogs working across the Arthur M. Blank, Scottish Rite, and Hughes Spalding hospitals and the Zalik Behavioral and Mental Health Center. The House formally commends the program and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

• Formally commends Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• States factual background on the program, including its 2009 founding, 18-month dog training process, and use of employee handlers.
• Notes the program currently operates 16 full-time facility dogs across four Children's Healthcare of Atlanta facilities.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulation, since it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia statutes.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, its Canines For Kids Program staff and facility dogs, and the young patients and families who benefit from the program are named in the resolution. It has no regulatory or financial effect on any other group.

Because this is a commendatory resolution rather than a law, it does not change anyone's rights, obligations, or funding. Its practical effect is limited to a formal, public statement of recognition from the Georgia House, along with a copy sent to the hospital system.

• The whereas clauses describe the program's history, founding in 2009, 18-month training process, and the 16 full-time facility dogs across four named Children's Healthcare of Atlanta facilities.
• The resolving clause formally commends the Canines For Kids Program and wishes it continued success.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide a copy of the resolution to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

1. 2026-01-15House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-01-15House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-15House Hopper (House)

• Sharon Cooper (R, HD-045)Primary sponsor
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
• Darlene Taylor (R, HD-173)
• Tim Fleming (R, HD-114)

• children's healthcare
• facility dogs
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
• legislative commendation