Pet Alliance Europe welcomes IAHAIO President at Annual #PetPower Night in Brussels
Brussels, 2 October – At its annual #PetPower event in Brussels, Pet Alliance Europe once again brought together over 100 guests including Members of the European Parliament, the European Commission and Council, animal welfare organisations, assistance animal associations, and stakeholders from the pet industry, many accompanied by their four-legged friends. The gathering continues to demonstrate a broad commitment to celebrate the power of pets (#PetPower) and champion pet welfare in anticipation of World Animal Day.
This year, Pet Alliance Europe had the pleasure of welcoming Marie-José Enders-Slegers, President of IAHAIO (International Association for Human-Animal Interaction Organisations), as a special guest speaker. Marie-José highlighted the essential roles that pets play in everyday life and in crisis situations around the world, with a special focus on therapy animals.
Marie-José shared her thoughts: “It’s inspiring to see so many organisations come together to recognise the vital role that pets play in our lives. I’d like to give special attention to the brave animals who provide assistance in crisis situations, such as the war in Ukraine and the recent floods across Europe. Providing companionship in the most stressful and challenging environments, these pets are true heroes and it is our duty to ensure their welfare is protected.”
Key representatives from Pet Alliance Europe’s founding partners – including Rosa Carbonell, President of FEDIAF, and Roxane Feller, Secretary General of AnimalhealthEurope – alongside Nancy De Briyne, FVE Executive Director, and Ulrike Tewes, FECAVA Secretary – expressed their gratitude for Marie-José’s valuable insights. “It is inspiring to hear such wonderful stories of #PetPower and together, the Alliance will continue working to raise awareness of all therapy pets, whilst promoting high standards of care for both pets and assistance animals.”
Pet Alliance Europe was also pleased to have MEP Petras Auštrevičius close the event with a few thoughts on the importance of pet welfare, and announce the winners of the 2024 edition of the Best Buddies in the Brussels Bubble photo contest.
Pet Alliance Europe is a collaboration between AnimalhealthEurope, FEDIAF (European Pet Food), FVE (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe), and FECAVA (Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations). Continuing to raise awareness of the most recent science proving the benefits of pet interaction, the Alliance has published a new booklet summarising the benefits, which can be downloaded for free at www.pet-power.eu.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About Pet Alliance Europe
Pet Alliance Europe was formed in 2021 by AnimalhealthEurope and FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood, and later was joined by The Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) and The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE). We are united in our belief that pet ownership has the potential to enhance the lives of all Europeans and brings many societal benefits. We refer to this as #PetPower. We are advocates for pet welfare and work with like-minded organisations to share information on how to care for pets. For more information, visit www.pet-power.eu.
About the #PetPower event & Photo Competition
Pet Alliance Europe holds an annual #PetPower event and also a pet photo competition, celebrating the cutest pets in the Brussels bubble. For details on entries and winners, please visit www.pet-power.eu.
About The Alliance Partners
AnimalhealthEurope represents companies that research, develop and manufacture veterinary medicines in Europe. Representing innovators and generics alike, as well as large, medium-sized and small companies, AnimalhealthEurope’s membership covers 90% of the European market for veterinary products.
FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood represents the pet food industry in Europe. While we work sustainably every day to provide nutritious, safe products that benefit pets, our work beyond pet food. Our work is also about pet wellbeing and how pets can enhance the lives of Europeans.
FVE represents veterinary organisations from 38 European Countries (44 members and 2 observers). We also represent veterinarians working in different fields of the profession. FVE strives to enhance animal health, animal welfare, public health and the protection of the environment by promoting the veterinary profession.FECAVA, the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, represents more than 25,000 companion animal veterinarians in 39 European countries through its member associations. FECAVA strives to improve the veterinary care of pets through professional development. It also provides a voice for companion animal issues at European level and works closely with other European veterinary organisations and stakeholders.
