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PIJAC Services

PIJAC’s Core Services: Knowledge, protection, and action!

Government Affairs
Thousands bills and regulations related to our industry are proposed each year. It is imossible for you to try to follow them while running your business at the same time -- so PIJAC does it for you. On your behalf, we:

Monitor and legislation and regulations affecting the pet industry at all levels of government (state, federal, and international).
Submit comments and testimony to legislators and regulators explaining the industry’s position on animal issues.
Support or oppose legislation and regulations as is in the best interest of the animals, the public, and the pet industry.
Distribute PetAlerts and PetLetters that empower our Members and others to respond to proposed policies in a timely and effective manner.
Forge a strong network with other industry groups, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

Health & Environmental Stewardship
An increasing number of highly technical scientific and veterinary issues are influencing pet ownership and the quality of life for pets. PIJAC’s science team proactively addresses these issues. In support of your needs, we:

Develop best practice guidelines and codes of conduct for animal care and husbandry.
Monitor, analyze, and report on pressing issues such as invasive species (harmful, non-native species), zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted between pets and humans), and the genetic modification of animals (often referred to as genetically-modified organisms, GMOs).
Develop and implement proactive campaigns (Habitattitude™, for example) to minimize the impact of invasive species and diseases on pets, people, and the environment.
Coordinate the activities of the PIJAC Pet Zoonoses Committee.
Provide leadership on and expert guidance to relevant, high-level governmental and non-governmental committees.

Animal Care

We continually raise the capacity of the industry to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Through PIJAC’s education and outreach programs the staff and collaborators:

Advance public recognition of the importance of pet ownership to pets and people, and thus the beneficial role of the pet industry in society.
Provide certification programs in animal care and husbandry for pet store employees and other animal care givers.
Publish guidebooks and manuals on best practice standards in pet care.
Promote the distribution of care sheets for particular types of pets.
Represent PIJAC at industry trade shows and other relevant events.