H.R. 5020 — Supporting Our Shelters Act

This section establishes a USDA grant program to entities described in subsection (a)(2)—including state, county, and city pounds and shelters; private humane societies or similar organizations under contract with such governmental entities; and USDA-licensed research facilities—to support their capacity to provide animal care, including feeding, sheltering, veterinary care, recreational activities, and staff hiring, training, and retention. Grants have terms not exceeding three years and are renewable if the grantee submits a required report to USDA prior to expiration. Beginning no later than 180 days after the first grant is awarded and annually thereafter, grant recipients must report to USDA on species-specific animal intakes and outcomes and grant fund usage; beginning no later than 180 days after enactment and annually thereafter, USDA must report to the House and Senate agriculture committees on the program and fund usage for animal care improvements. This section also directs USDA to promulgate regulations to implement the section, including for the grant program within 180 days of enactment.