- Zoetis and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) stage the EU Companion Animals Stakeholder Summit - Taking Action to Facilitate the Mutual Benefits of the Human-Animal Bond.
- Stakeholders call for advancements in companion animal policy to improve human and animal health and wellbeing, on the back of the Human-Animal Bond Report, the first of its kind.
Brussels, Belgium – March 20, 2024 – Zoetis Inc. and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) hosted the EU Companion Animals Stakeholder Summit to launch the Human-Animal Bond Report, advocating for advancements in companion animal policy to improve human and animal health and wellbeing. Policymakers, influencers, and industry experts called for discussion on EU and member state companion animal policies to support the multiple benefits of the human-animal bond across Europe, supported by the data presented in the Human-Animal Bond Report. The report is the first of its kind and presents a strong case for reexamining the EU’s healthy ageing and mental health policies, as well as finding other ways to support the 46% of EU households[1] that include a pet, especially as escalating costs of living make it harder for pet owners to take care of their animals.
Pets and companion animals have been present in all cultures of the world since ancient times and the power of the human-animal bond is remarkable. Despite strong evidence demonstrating that the human-animal bond has a profound impact on physical and mental health – leading to better health and wellbeing throughout all stages of life – as well as responsible pet ownership, there is currently no EU policy or legislative initiatives dedicated to advancing the bond’s benefits for better health and wellbeing.
“FECAVA is delighted to be involved with this initiative co-ordinated by Zoetis highlighting the human-animal bond and its positive effects on society. While guide dogs have been used for a long time, the wider positive role of animals in social care is only starting to be developed,” explains Danny Holmes, President of FECAVA. “Recent geopolitical events have highlighted the compassionate interactions between animals and their human counterparts in various challenging settings, showcasing the profound humanity animals evoke in us. FECAVA represents veterinarians who believe in comprehensive animal welfare legislation that assists society to utilise animals in embracing all people regardless of social status or disability.”
The Human-Animal Bond Report put the spotlight on barriers to pet ownership that exacerbate inequalities, such as the cost burden of veterinary care on owners and the inaccessibility of many public spaces and services. For example, the report reveals that 72% of rental housing residents report that pet-friendly housing is hard to find[2], despite the positive benefits the direct positive link with healthy ageing, as well as on Non-Communicable Diseases via increased activity and social interactions.
MEP Marina Kaljurand added, “The debate on the human animal bond is much needed. I have witnessed our society's transformation as pets have become true members of our families. But I have also seen how difficult it is for some families to keep a pet. Our commitment to raising awareness and taking further action to safeguard our companion animals and the precious bond we share with them is absolutely necessary.”
With the findings of the Human-Animal Bond Report, and in the context of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing as well as the release of the EU’s Mental Health Strategy last summer, organizations made a compelling case for increased EU policy focus on supporting EU citizens to harness the human-animal bond, presenting actionable solutions to maximize the positive effects of this bond across the EU.
“We need to work together to develop European-wide actions to raise awareness on the benefits of the human-animal bond on health,” said Jamie Brannan, Executive Vice President and Group President, International Operations, Aquaculture and Global Diagnostics at Zoetis. “With the demonstrated benefits of the bond on physical and mental wellbeing, we need to advance measures to support veterinary professionals, ensure pet care products and services are accessible, and community spaces are pet friendly. Ultimately, measures like these could contribute to pets having access to best-possible veterinary care and in turn, provide comfort and many other benefits to their owners.”
About Zoetis
As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness for more than 70 years, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from veterinarians and pet owners to livestock farmers and ranchers. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $8.5 billion in 2023 with approximately 14,100 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.