THE PET CARE community has faced unprecedented challenges over the past 18 months, from mandated COVID-19 closures to increased introduction of harmful legislation. Despite all of that, you have not only survived to meet the needs of millions of pets and their owners, you also have thrived — pet industry sales surpassed $100 billion for the first time ever, according to the American Pet Products Association.
Elected officials should be aware of the far-reaching and positive financial, physical and emotional impacts of pet ownership, and they should hear about it directly from you. We at the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council want to help you share your stories with lawmakers during the 4th annual Pet Care Community D.C. Fly-In on Oct. 20.
While we would love to reunite in person, rules regarding visitors to Capitol Hill continue to change, so we will hold the event online. We did so last year and have laid the groundwork to make 2021’s virtual fly-in even more successful.
We hope you will join us to represent the pet care community and help convey the critical message that pets are important to human health and quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about the event:
- Why you should take part — Participating enables you to support the pet industry, let your elected officials know what issues are important to you and increase your network of other like-minded pet care professionals. Furthermore, once you’ve formed a personal connection with your elected officials, you can continue building trust within that relationship and serve as a resource when new pet-related issues emerge.
- What topics will be discussed — We center our meetings with lawmakers around the positive power of pets and their significant role in our nation’s economy. With so many children’s learning experiences upended due to the pandemic, we hope to discuss funding for companion animals in educational settings. We also will talk about legislation that would increase support for training programs that match veterans with service animals, such as the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act recently signed into law by President Biden, as well as the need to increase funding for the successful Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act.
- How to participate — Registration for this event is open to everyone and free for all participants. PIJAC does all the logistical work for you when it comes to scheduling meetings, and we provide talking points on the issues. All you need to do is be prepared to share your personal perspective with lawmakers from the comfort of your own home or office.
For more information and to register for the 4th annual Pet Care Community D.C. Fly-In, visit here.
