PLC Newsletter

Last week, The Pet Leadership Council teamed up with Pet Partners, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council to host Therapy Dogs on Capitol Hill. The event offered congressional staff much-needed stress relief the day after the election. It was a time to show how the human-animal bond can lead to healthier lives but also push for the Pet and Women Safety Act, which would help survivors of domestic violence and their pets seek safe shelter together.

Throughout the morning, we witnessed congressional members putting their differences aside and enjoying their time in the presence of therapy pets, proving that the human-animal bond resonates far deeper than political lines. Overall, the event was a win for all parties involved. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Save the date – The 2019 Pet Industry Leadership Conference is set for Jan. 27-30 at the La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio. The theme of this year’s event is Embracing Change and Honoring Tradition, an especially relevant adage for the pet industry of today. Join 275+ of the pet care community’s leading voices for an event packed with world-class speakers, engaging breakout sessions and ample networking opportunities, in a fun and relaxed, resort setting.

The conference is exclusively for members of APPA, PIDA, PIJAC and WPA. For more information and to register, visit www.pida.org/pilc. Register by Nov. 15 to save $100 off your registration. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact Josh Vetere with questions before the Dec. 1 sponsorship deadline.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Texas Hill Country this January – boots are optional!

Hans the Portuguese water dog yawned. “Same,” a congressional staffer said. It was a long election night for political junkies, and it wasn’t over yet as of Wednesday morning. Still, the sun was finally out in Washington, and it felt like another quiet recess day on Capitol Hill, with no members in sight until party leaders arrived for press conferences later in the afternoon.

Taking place January 19-23 in Orlando, Florida, VMX is back and better than ever!

VMX is the world’s largest veterinary continuing education (CE) event featuring top-tier education from world-renowned presenters, unparalleled professional development and networking, diverse exhibits, and exhilarating events.

American Pet Products Association (APPA) President & CEO Bob Vetere and Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) Executive Director Elena Bicker announced today that APPA has partnered with ARF in support of their Pets and Vets Program.

Veterans Day is a time to honor all who have served in our nation’s military, and for the K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis Petcare, that includes our four-legged veterans, too. Since 2015, K-9 Courage has supported retired military and police K-9s, ensuring that these courageous and loyal dogs continue to live happy and healthy lives.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) was named 2018 Animal Health Organization of the Year by the Pet Philanthropy Circle during its annual Pet Hero Awards.

Aquatic Experience wrapped up a highly successful inaugural New Jersey event which took place from October 19 – 21. World Pet Association (WPA), producers of Aquatic Experience, are proud to announce that the event was extremely well-received.

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced that Embrace Pet Insurance has become an official supporter of HABRI and its research on the human health benefits of companion animals.

Animal Supply Company (ASC), a national pet food and supplies distributor, has added or expanded distribution with 11 brand partners: Almo Nature, Butcher’s Prime, FirstMate, Green Coast Pet, Halo, Merrick Pet Care, Meowijuana, Primal, Solid Gold, Tyson Pet and Weruva. Animal Supply is the exclusive distributor to six of the 11 (Almo Nature, Butcher’s Prime, FirstMate, Green Coast Pet, Halo and Meowijuana).

PetSmart Charities, the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, today announced a commitment of $1 million to support designated responding agencies working on the front lines to help pets and pet families in need in the areas affected by Hurricane Michael.

Domestic violence statistics in America are sobering. Nearly one in four women and about one in seven men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.