NJ SJR25

Designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey to recognize service dogs that assist veterans with traumatic brain injury, PTSD, military sexual trauma, and seizure disorder.

Requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the day and calling upon public officials and citizens to observe it with appropriate activities and programs.

Notes that New Jersey has over 300,000 veterans, with an estimated 29% of Iraq/Afghanistan war veterans experiencing PTSD and 28% experiencing traumatic brain injury.

Highlights that nonprofit organizations like Paws Healing Heroes of Glassboro bear the primary responsibility for training service dogs at costs of $3,000 to $5,000 per dog, which are not covered by insurance or veterans' benefits.