Pet Night on Capitol Hill Brings Congress Together in Celebration of America’s Pets
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Pet Advocacy Network co-hosted Pet Night on Capitol Hill yesterday, bringing together Members of Congress, congressional staff and leaders in the pet care community in support of pets and service animals as an important part of American life.
“Pet Night on Capitol Hill has become a beloved tradition in Washington—while it’s immensely fun, it’s also a serious time to deliver the message that pets promote better health and well-being for all,” said Vic Mason, President of the World Pet Association (WPA).
“We are proud to be a part of Pet Night on Capitol Hill, a night dedicated to honoring the human-animal bond and its positive impact on the well-being of individuals, families and communities, including our nation’s veterans who rely on the healing support of service dogs,” said Peter Scott, President and CEO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
This year’s event highlighted the programs and initiatives of the pet care community that expand access to healthy pets and preserve and strengthen the human-animal bond in society. At the event, attendees interacted with Pet Partners therapy animals, veterans and their devoted service animals and adoptable puppies and kittens from Petco Love.
The Animal Health Institute (AHI) honored the winners of the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest, now in its 17th year, recognizing the most adorable animals belonging to Members of Congress and their staff.
Cutest Dog: Bear
Owner: Tory Scordato
Office: Senator Chris Murphy (CT)
Cutest Cat: Scosh
Owner: Sana Ajeena
Office: Representative Mike Quigley (IL-5)
Cutest Exotic: Chickpea (rabbit)
Owner: Ananda Bhatia
Office: House Chief Administrative Officer
“I’m thrilled to join AHI for this event to bring together members and staff from both parties to celebrate our beloved pets,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-8). “Keeping our pets and animals healthy is our responsibility, and it has been an honor to lead bipartisan legislation, like ADUFA, to bring innovative veterinary medications to market.”
“Thank you to the Animal Health Institute for asking me to judge the 17th annual Cutest Pets Contest, one of Capitol Hill’s greatest traditions,” said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-7). “I am glad to be a part of this fun tradition that also raises awareness of the work being done by the companies that develop veterinary products used by farmers, ranchers and pet owners to keep their animals healthy.”
“The Animal Health Institute’s Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest is always a highly anticipated event with participation across Congress – a representation of how important pets are to our nation’s lawmakers and their hardworking staff,” said Martha Scott Poindexter, President and CEO of AHI. “The animal health industry makes the products that not only keep pets healthy but also keep families healthy, and we’re proud to celebrate this each year at Pet Night on Capitol Hill.”
“From ensuring access to nutritious food to supporting pet-inclusive housing and greater access to service dogs for our nation’s veterans, pet-friendly policies help pets thrive alongside the people who love them. Pet Night provides a meaningful forum to showcase why advancing pet-friendly legislation matters for families across America,” said Dana Brooks, President & CEO of PFI.
Representative Claudia Tenney (NY-24) urged support for the People and Animals Well-being (PAW) Act, a bill that would allow people to use up to $1,000 of their Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for veterinary care or a pet health insurance policy for their pets. The bill would impose no limit on veterinary care for service animals, providing even more support for people with disabilities, including our nation’s veterans.
“Pets are family for millions of Americans and service animals play an especially important role in the lives of our veterans. Too often, the cost of veterinary care puts a strain on families and individuals who are already sacrificing so much. The PAW Act expands HSAs and FSAs to cover these expenses, giving pet owners the ability to care for their pets and service animals without added financial stress,” said Congresswoman Tenney.
“Every year, Pet Advocacy Network hosts a Congressional fly-in in conjunction with Pet Night on Capitol Hill, where leaders from the pet care community come together and meet with members of Congress and Congressional staff to talk about the importance of pets and pet-friendly policies. It’s clear from the conversations that pet issues are bipartisan and that everyone has a positive story to tell of how the human-animal bond has touched their life. Pet Night is a celebration of this phenomenon, and we were thrilled to once again co-host this important event,” said Pet Advocacy Network CEO Sandy Moore.
Pet Night is part of Pet Week on Capitol Hill, a week-long series of virtual briefings and in-person visits. Virtual briefings 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 here, where people can also sign up to be invited to Pet Night on Capitol Hill 2026.
“HABRI is honored to convene the entire pet care community to join with Congress in honoring America’s pets and all who love them,” said HABRI President Steven Feldman.
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, click here. Images available upon request.