PLC Newsletter

It was great to meet up with you all at SuperZoo last month. As most of you might know, for the past year we’ve been conducting several phases of research to better understand consumer perceptions of the pet industry and guide our strategic direction and initiatives. The final research findings were presented at the meeting at SuperZoo and were extensive and enlightening. We’ve always known that people care deeply about their own pets, but now we also have insight into what issues and topics consumers care most about in terms of pets in general, and where we can best serve them.

After a deep dive into those results and thorough discussion, we now have a collective direction agreed upon by our supporters. We have identified key topics we need to have or develop positions on; and formed committees to tackle initiatives the PLC can take the lead on and have the most impact on improving the accessibility to and well-being of pets. This will allow us to further establish ourselves as the leading voice and force within the industry.

In addition to the broader issues of all pet care, the PLC will focus on three impactful initiatives that will foster positive change and growth within the industry and build trust amongst consumers:

1. Protecting the availability of pets through breeder and shelter standards and consumer education
2. Improving access to pet-friendly housing and pet-friendly workplaces thus helping consumers’ ability to own pets;
3. And, enhancing our pet disaster relief efforts to save lives and reunite owners with their pets and keep them out of shelters

We’re all very proud to be champions for the industry and I believe this is the right direction to lead the PLC to continued success.

Have a great rest of your month and enjoy the recent news on our supporters below.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by home fires, and nearly 1,000 of these fires are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets.

In honor of National Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15 and to help prevent fires and keep our pets safe, the American Kennel Club offers the following tips:

Nationwide®/HABRI study shows 9 in 10 employees are highly bonded to their employer when pet friendly benefits are offered

Read more about the study here, here, and here.

• Nearly 70 percent of American households have a pet
• The average cost for unexpected veterinary care for dogs and cats is between $800 and $1,500, according to Petplan
• Only 39 percent of Americans have enough in savings to cover a $1,000 emergency

Zoetis has awarded three teams of scientists with $200,000 in research grants to support projects that will help advance understanding of the fundamentals of heartworm and explore novel interventions to help prevent it.

Mars Petcare and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) have named the recipients of the first Better Cities for Pets grants: Fort Worth, Texas, Richmond, Va., and Hallandale Beach, Fla.

“There really isn’t another program or resource pool quite like the Better Cities for Pets Grant Program, anywhere else in the country right now,” said Tom Cochran, USCM CEO and executive director.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) will host its annual convention in Denver July 13-17, with thousands of veterinarians gathering in the Mile High City to discuss the latest trends and topics in veterinary medicine and help shape the future of the profession.