Pet Night on Capitol Hill Unites Lawmakers Behind Universal Love of Pets

Annual Reception Features National Dog Show Winner, Therapy Animals, Service Animals and the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the World Pet Association (WPA) co-hosted Pet Night on Capitol Hill yesterday, celebrating the positive impact of pets in America. Pet Night on Capitol Hill brought together Members of Congress, congressional staff, and leaders in the pet care community to share programs and policies that advance public health by protecting, preserving and honoring the human-animal bond.

"Pet Night on Capitol Hill has become an annual focal point for the pet care community where we celebrate the importance of pets in society," said Mike Karsting, SVP, World Pet Association and presenting sponsor of Pet Night. "Pet Night is a chance to showcase the bipartisan nature of pets to our nation's lawmakers and the importance of pets as family for individual, community and public health."

"There's nothing quite like Pet Night on Capitol Hill; everyone shares their stories about pets that positively impacted their lives," said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. "Pets are a positive force for good, and Pet Night honors our shared experiences of the human-animal bond."

At the event, attendees interacted with Pet Partners therapy animals, Soleil, the 2025 National Dog Show Winner, adoptable puppies and kittens from Petco Love, and service dogs in-training with Canine Companions.

"Pet Night is all about recognizing that not only are pets incredibly important to American life, but also that pet-friendly policies touch almost every facet of society – from housing to veteran well-being, public health, food safety and more," said Elise Fennig, President & CEO of PFI. "PFI is proud to co-host this important event and to educate and support Congress in advocating for policies that keep people and pets happy and healthy, together."

The Animal Health Institute (AHI) honored the winners of the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest, now in its 18^th year, recognizing the most adorable animals belonging to Members of Congress and their staff.

Cutest Dog: Riley
Owner: Stephanie Gamache
Senate Commerce Committee

Cutest Cat: Jax
Owner: Sophie Attiliis
Office of Rep. Morgan Griffith (VA-9)

Cutest Exotic: Fried Rice (Shrimp)
Owner: Logan Holt
Office of Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK-5)

"I'm thrilled to join AHI again this year in bringing together members and staff from both parties to celebrate our beloved pets," said Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08). "Keeping our pets and animals healthy is our responsibility, and it has been an honor to lead bipartisan legislation to bring innovative veterinary medications to market and help farmers use improved feed additives to keep animals healthy."

"I grew up on a cattle ranch, so I know what animals mean to a family. Anyone who works on Capitol Hill knows what they mean to an office, too," said Rep. Cammack (R-FL-03). "That's why I jump at the chance to judge the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest, and picking just three finalists was the toughest vote I've taken all year. Healthy pets make for happier homes and happier offices, and I'm proud to stand with AHI and the veterinarians and innovators who make that possible."

"AHI's Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest has been held for 18 years and it is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the animals who bring so much joy, companionship and connection to our lives," said Martha Scott Poindexter, President and CEO of AHI. "We spend most of the year working with policymakers to advance responsible, science-based innovation in animal health, and this annual tradition reminds us why that work matters. Healthier pets help people live healthier, happier, and more connected lives."

WPA's "Legislative Pawsitive Impact Award" was conferred upon Representative Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and a senior member of the Education and Workforce Committee, for his leadership in support of the Healthy Dog Importation Act and his stewardship of the 2026 Farm Bill.

"We were thrilled to recognize Congressman Thompson for his support of meaningful legislation to protect the health and well-being of people and pets, and to co-host this important celebration of pets and pet ownership in America," added Karsting.

Pet Night is part of Pet Week on Capitol Hill, which includes a week-long series of virtual briefings and in-person visits. Virtual sessions share key data about how pets are important for human health and quality of life and highlight the most pressing issues relating to pet ownership in America. All recorded sessions from Pet Week on Capitol Hill are now available to view on-demand at www.petnight.com, where people can also sign up to be invited to Pet Night on Capitol Hill 2027.

Pet Night on Capitol Hill is an annual event sponsored by leading pet care and animal health companies and organizations that comprise the pet care community. For more information, please visit www.petnight.com. Images available upon request.

About HABRI
HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that funds innovative scientific research to document the health benefits of companion animals; educates the public about human-animal bond research; and advocates for the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit http://www.habri.org.

About the American Pet Products Association
Founded in 1958, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) is a membership organization for the pet industry focused on business, relationships and innovation through services and programs designed to help its members prosper. APPA's mission is to build a connected and informed community with a genuine passion for all things pet. As the leading pet trade association, APPA advances and unites the pet industry through key initiatives that gather, inform and connect APPA members, industry leaders and the pet community to advance innovation and enrich the lives of pets and the people who love them. Through the APPA Gives Back program, APPA is proud to support organizations that benefit humans and pets: the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Joybound People & Pets, the Pet Giving Network, the Pet Advocacy Network and Pets in the Classroom. Visit AmericanPetProducts.org for more information, and follow APPA on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

About the Pet Food Institute
Established in 1958, Pet Food Institute (PFI) is the trade association and the voice of U.S. cat and dog food manufacturers. Our members account for the vast majority of the dog and cat food made in the United States, with more than $60 billion in domestic annual dog and cat food sales and annual exports of more than $2.4 billion. PFI membership also includes companies that supply ingredients, equipment and services to dog and cat food makers.

About World Pet Association
Founded in 1950, World Pet Association (WPA) is the pet industry's oldest nonprofit organization. WPA connects and informs pet professionals through industry-defining trade shows SUPERZOO and GROOM'D. Through WPA's Good Works program, proceeds from these events are funneled back into key industry organizations and nonprofits, including World Alliance of Grooming Associations, National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), USAQUA, USARK, HABRI, Pet Advocacy Network, Pet Sustainability Coalition, BEAK, Pet Care Trust/Pets in the Classroom, with the goal of making it easier for pet industry professionals to do business. WPA's mission is to support the business needs of pet retailers and to promote responsible growth and development of the pet industry by providing thought leadership on consumer and legislative issues; leading efforts in the public sector to inform consumers and ensure safe, healthy lifestyles for all animals and providing business resources, education, content and services — including petLENS, its new market intelligence initiative, and Groom Curriculum, its grooming education program — to ensure pet product retailers have the support they need to be competitive. For more information about WPA, visit www.worldpetassociation.org.

About the Animal Health Institute
The Animal Health Institute (AHI) represents the companies that develop and produce animal medicines. Our industry is a global leader whose products improve the health of nearly 10 billion companion and food-producing animals in the U.S., which results in significant economic and social benefits for Americans.

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SOURCE Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)