1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act . 2. Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program on dog training therapy (a) In general Commencing not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of the Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall enter into a contract with one or more appropriate non-government entities for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of training service dogs for veterans with disabilities. Such program shall be carried out through the Center for Compassionate Innovation of the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) Duration of pilot program The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall be carried out during the five-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program. (c) Locations of pilot program In entering into contracts for purposes of the pilot program, the Secretary shall seek to enter into contracts with appropriate non-government entities located in close proximity to at least three but not more than five medical centers of the Department. (d) Appropriate non-Government entities For purposes of the pilot program, an appropriate non-government entity is an entity that is certified in the training and handling of service dogs. (e) Training area The Secretary shall provide to a non-government entity with which the Secretary enters into a contract under this section access to a training area in a facility of the Department that would be appropriate for use in educating veterans with mental health conditions in the art and science of service dog training and handling. Such training area shall— (1) include a dedicated space that is suitable for grooming and training dogs indoors; (2) be wheelchair accessible; (3) include classroom or lecture space; (4) include office space for staff