Critical role of pets in human well-being highlight at Pet Week on Capitol Hill

Delivering the message to elected representatives that pets are important for human health and quality of life is the main goal of the annual pet-centric event in Washington D.C.

Hosted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Week on Capitol Hill will showcase educational presentations featuring Members of Congress and leaders from the pet care community. The sessions will share information about policies and programs that will help strengthen the human-animal bond.

The educational sessions will be as follows:
Monday, September 18, 12 – 12:30 p.m. ET
The Power of the Human-Animal Bond
Steven Feldman, President, HABRI

Monday, September 18, 4 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Veterinary and Pet Issues in Congress
Dr. Mike McFarland, Chief Medical Officer, Zoetis
Rep. Kurt Schrader, Veterinarian & Former Congressman (OR-5)

Tuesday, September 19, 12 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Pet Legislation: Keeping Pets and Their People Together
Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO & President, Nestle Purina PetCare
Katie Campbell, Director of Collaboration & Outreach, RedRover
Nicole Lanahan, Executive Director, Got Your Six Support Dogs

Tuesday, September 19, 4 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Strategic Insights from the National Pet Owner Survey
Dr. Kerry O’Hara, Chief Insights Officer, American Pet Products Association

Wednesday, September 20, 12 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Pet Night on Capitol Hill (in-person event)

Thursday, September 21, 12 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Companion Animals
Nancy Gee, PhD, C-AISS, Director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction, VCU Health

Thursday, September 21, 4 – 4:30 p.m. ET
Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest
Animal Health Institute

Friday, September 22, 12 – 12:30 p.m. ET
Pets are Family: The Case for a National Conversation on Pets in Shelters
Susanne Kogut, President, Petco Love

The event will stream via the Pet Night website, as well as the HABRI Facebook page.