Pet Night On Capital Hill

In CFA's 117-year history, there have been a number of memorable marquee events. But there are many fanciers who may not be aware of an annual event which has had a long tenure with CFA's participation: Pet Night on Capitol Hill.

- Susan Henry

In 1996, CFA's Legislative Committee, led by Joan Miller, began an affiliate sponsorship with Pet Night, which was then under the direction of the Animal Health Institute. The event takes place in Washington, D.C., in meeting spaces in one of the Congressional Office Buildings. Representatives of a number of animal-related organizations attend each year to meet with members of Congress individually and at committee level to bring animal rights and wellness issues to the forefront. Today, these organizations include the American Kennel Club, the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the Pet Advocacy Network (formerly the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council), pet food industry leaders (Nestlé-Purina, General Mills [Blue Buffalo] and Mars [Royal Canin], giants in the pharmaceuticals industry, and a number of other organizations focused promoting the importance of the human-animal bond. Their combined reach is very broad, and the power of these organizations to steer Congress into action promoting legislation against mass-market puppy and kitten mills while protecting the rights of hobby breeders and focusing on the importance of pets in our lives cannot be underestimated. Of course, with animals being the main focus, there have been star representatives from the canine and feline show circuits, with appearances by winners of the Westminster Kennel Club show and top CFA show cats.