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Pet Night on Capitol Hill: Celebrating America's Beloved Pets

The recent Pet Night on Capitol Hill was a remarkable event co-hosted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Food Institute (PFI), and the Pet Advocacy Network. This gathering brought together members of Congress, their staff, and pet care leaders to honor the significant place pets hold in American society. Not only did the event feature adorable therapy animals and service pets, but it also served as a platform to discuss the positive impacts of the human-animal bond.

As Americans increasingly recognize the health benefits associated with pet ownership, this annual event has quickly grown into a cherished tradition in Washington.

The Significance of the Event

Vic Mason, President of the World Pet Association (WPA), highlighted, "Pet Night on Capitol Hill has become a beloved tradition in Washington—while it's immensely fun, it's also a serious time to deliver the message that pets promote better health and well-being for all."

Peter Scott, President and CEO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), also acknowledged the night’s importance, emphasizing, "We are proud to be a part of Pet Night on Capitol Hill, a night dedicated to honoring the human-animal bond and its positive impact on individuals and families, especially our veterans who benefit from the support of service dogs."

Activities at Pet Night

This year's event aimed to showcase the numerous programs and initiatives within the pet care sector that enhance access to healthy pets. Attendees had the chance to interact with therapy animals, veterans alongside their service dogs, and even had a chance to meet puppies and kittens available for adoption through Petco Love. The event also featured the annual Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest, celebrating the most adorable pets owned by members of Congress and their staff.

The winners included:

• - Cutest Dog: Bear owned by Tory Scordato for Senator Chris Murphy (CT)
• - Cutest Cat: Scosh owned by Sana Ajeena for Representative Mike Quigley (IL-5)
• - Cutest Exotic: Chickpea (a rabbit) owned by Ananda Bhatia for the House Chief Administrative Officer.

Advocacy and Future Goals

Additionally, Congresswomen emphasized the significance of bipartisan efforts for legislation that benefits pet owners across the country. Representative Claudia Tenney (NY-24) advocated for the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act, a bill allowing citizens to utilize their Health Savings Accounts for veterinary care, particularly for service animals. According to Congresswoman Tenney, "Pets are family for millions of Americans, and service animals play an especially important role in the lives of our veterans."

The event does more than just celebrate pets; it serves as a critical forum to advocate for policies that support the pet industry and ensure the well-being of pets and the Americans who care for them. Dana Brooks, President & CEO of PFI said, "Pet-friendly policies help pets thrive alongside the people who love them."

Pet Week and Educational Focus

Pet Night forms part of Pet Week on Capitol Hill, which features a series of virtual briefings and in-person discussions focused on pressing issues surrounding pet ownership in America. This week-long initiative aims to share vital statistics on how pets positively affect human health, as well as legislative efforts regarding pet welfare.

It's evident from the positive discussions that participants across the political spectrum share a commitment to animal welfare and recognize the inspiring impact of the human-animal bond within their communities.

HABRI's President, Steven Feldman, noted, "We are honored to bring the pet care community together with Congress to celebrate America's pets and those who love them." More details about Pet Night and related events can be found on their official website. As this event's popularity continues to grow, it reflects society's acknowledgment of the invaluable bond shared between pets and their owners, and the importance of fostering supportive policies to ensure their health and safety.