Pet Leadership Council Honors Congress Members with ‘Pets’ Best Friend’ Award

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At the annual Pet Night on Capitol Hill earlier this month, several members of Congress were recognized as “Pets’ Best Friend” by the Pet Leadership Council (PLC), for their efforts on behalf of companion animals and those who serve and support them.

“We are grateful to these representatives for their unwavering support for policies and programs that encourage animal health, responsibility and education among pet owners and the general public,” said Bob Vetere, PLC chairman.

Pets’ Best Friend award recipients include:

Rep. Katherine Clark (MA-5)

Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-1)

Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-9)

Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-7)

Rep. Robert Latta (OH-5)

Rep. Frank LoBiondo (NJ-2)

Rep. Paul Mitchell (MI-10)

Rep. Kurt Schrader, DVM (OR-5)

Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-6)

Rep. Ted Yoho, DVM (FL-3)

Rep. David Young (IA-3)

Rep. Don Young (AK-AL)

According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey, more than 84.6 million households own at least one pet and 53 percent report their pet is good for their health. Studies have demonstrated health benefits including decreased stress and obesity rates and improved heart health among pet owners, and pets have also been shown to have positive impacts on families with autistic children as well as those suffering from memory impairment and post-traumatic stress. In 2016, a study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and George Mason University, calculated an $11.7 billion savings in U.S. healthcare costs as a result of pet ownership.

The Pet Leadership Council is made up of pet industry leaders, animal welfare, veterinarians and academia. Their mission is to advocate for pets and those who serve and support them by promoting responsible pet ownership and educating the public on efforts to improve the health and well-being of companion animals.

Pet Night on Capitol Hill is an annual celebration of pets, pet owners and the human-animal bond, hosted by the Pet Leadership Council and the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation (HABRI).