The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Pet Advocacy Network co-hosted Pet Night on Capitol Hill, highlighting the role of service animals for disabled veterans and celebrating pets' impact in the U.S. The event brought together members of Congress, congressional staff, and pet care community leaders to discuss programs and policies that protect human and animal well-being.
"Pet Night on Capitol Hill is more than just an evening spent with some incredible pets — it's a chance to convey to Congress the vital message that policies and programs keeping people and pets together promote better health and well-being for all," said Vic Mason, president of the World Pet Association (WPA) and presenting sponsor of Pet Night.
"HABRI is proud to co-host Pet Night on Capitol Hill, a night dedicated to honoring the human-animal bond and its positive impact on the well-being of individuals, families and communities, including our nation's veterans who rely on the healing support of service dogs," said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI.
Attendees interacted with Pet Partners therapy animals, show cats provided by the Cat Fanciers' Association, and adoptable puppies from Petco Love.
Veterans and their service dogs were recognized during a ceremony for their service to the country. The National Service Dog Memorial displayed a replica of the resin casting of "Sully," President George H.W. Bush's service dog by Susan Bahary, which will be placed in the permanent collection of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, Texas, U.S.
Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill
The Animal Health Institute (AHI) announced winners of the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest, recognizing animals belonging to members of Congress and their staff.
Winners included Palmer (cutest dog), owned by Joe Ballard from Rep. Kelly Armstrong's (ND) office; Moony (cutest cat), owned by Izzah Yousuf from Rep. Al Green's (TX-9) office; and Froth (cutest exotic), owned by Larson Church from Rep. Andrew Clyde's (GA-9) office.
"This event is a fantastic reminder that ensuring our pets' and animals' health and safety is crucial for both their well-being and ours," Congresswoman Schrier. "That's why in Congress, I've advocated for animal health through legislation like ADUFA to get new, innovative, and safe veterinary medications to market, and I am incredibly proud that this legislation was signed into law last September."
"I'm honored to be a congressional judge for this year's AHI Cutest Pets Contest," said Rep. Cammack (R-FL-03). "Folks on the Hill know my office is home to our three pups who often greet guests and visitors, so we always appreciate the opportunity to support our furry friends! This year's Pet Night is also special as we pay homage to the heroes and animals who have served our nation."
The AHI's Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill is always a highlight, but there's so much more to it than just cuteness, said Alex Mathews, president and CEO of AHI. "It's all about the importance of pets in people's lives," said Mathews. "The animal health industry serves not only to keep pets healthy, but also to keep families healthy and happy together, and we're proud to celebrate this each year at Pet Night on Capitol Hill."
PAW Act to help with vet costs
HABRI presented its Human Animal Bond Leadership Award to Representative Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Representative Deborah Ross (NC-02) for sponsoring the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act. The newly introduced bill would allow people to use up to $1,000 of their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for veterinary care or pet health insurance policies. The bill would impose no limit on veterinary care for service animals, providing additional support for people with disabilities, including veterans.
"Our pets and service animals are cherished members of our families, and it's essential that owners have the ability to pay for quality care," said Congresswoman Tenney. "The PAW Act offers greater flexibility to pet owners by allowing them to use HSAs and FSAs for pet care expenses. This legislation will help veterans, and all pet owners afford veterinary care for their beloved pets and service animals."
Pets' Best Friend awards
The Pet Advocacy Network presented its Pets' Best Friend award to three members of Congress and senators who have demonstrated commitment to supporting pets and pet owners. Congressman Jake LaTurner of Kansas was jointly recognized by PAN and PFI, and Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson of Pennsylvania were recognized for their service on behalf of companion animals and those who serve and support them.
"We were thrilled to recognize these Members of Congress with the Pets' Best Friend award and to once again co-host this important celebration of pets and pet ownership in America," said Pet Advocacy Network president and CEO Mike Bober.
"Just as complete and balanced nutrition is critical for pets, policies and programs that ensure healthy lives for people and pets are also important," said Dana Brooks, president & CEO of PFI. "Pet Night on Capitol Hill is a wonderful opportunity for the pet care community to showcase its longstanding commitment to the importance of service dogs for veterans, pets in classrooms for children, and the dire need for more pet-friendly housing, especially for domestic violence shelters."
Pet Night is part of Pet Week on Capitol Hill, a week-long series of virtual programming and in-person visits. Virtual sessions share data about how pets impact human health and quality of life and highlight pressing issues relating to pet ownership in the U.S. All recorded sessions from Pet Week on Capitol Hill are available on-demand at petnight.com.
