Pet Week on Capitol Hill – Week of September 14

Strengthening the Human Animal Bond Nationwide

This week, Joybound leaders were honored to join advocates, veterinary professionals, animal welfare organizations, and industry partners in Washington, D.C., for Pet Week on Capitol Hill and the annual Pet Night celebration. Hosted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the event brought together national leaders committed to advancing policies that support people and pets alike. Topics included expanding access to affordable veterinary care, increasing pet-friendly housing opportunities, and reducing barriers that can separate families from the pets they love.

Meaningful progress happens when nonprofits, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers come together around a common goal. The conversations and collaborations from this week reinforce what’s possible when we work together to increase access to resources that help pet families thrive.

Pet Week on Capitol Hill Presentations

Pet Week on Capitol Hill brings the power of pets to Capitol Hill, delivering the message to our elected representatives that pets are important for human health and quality of life. Interested in watching some of the presentations that took place over this fabulous and inspirational week? Hunker down, grab your popcorn, and visit the links below to catch up:

• Welcome to Pet Week
  Elsie Fennig, President & CEO of the Pet Food Institute
• The Real Reason for Pets
  Steven Feldman, President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute
• The Economic Impact of the Pet Industry
  Peter Scott, President & CEO of the American Pet Products Association
• Unleashing the Bond to Advance Public Health
  Rustin M. Moore, DVM, PhD, Dean & Author
• Protecting Pet Families Through Pet-Inclusive Housing
  
  Katie Jarl, Vice President of Government Relations of the Animal Policy Group
• Supporting the Human-Animal Bond Through the PAW Act
  Jeannette Ferran Astorga, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer of Zoetis
  Rep. Claudia Tenney, Congresswoman (NY-24)

Thank You to Our Partners

We’d like to thank HABRI for convening this important event, and Purina for their continued commitment to pets and the people who love them. We’re grateful for our partnership with these two organizations that share our belief that keeping people and pets together strengthens both human and animal wellbeing. In addition to HABRI, Pet Week on Capitol Hill is co-hosted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the Pet Food Institute, and the World Pet Association.