Blog

The health and well-being of everyone in the responsible pet care community, and the animals we care for, is of the utmost importance to us here at PIJAC. To help you prepare and protect yourself, your family, your colleagues, your pets and the animals in your care, we have collected the following resources.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the world’s progress in healthcare, food production, and even life expectancy and affects both humans and animals. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) recently joined...

Today is Black Cat Appreciation Day. Founded to offset centuries-old superstitions about black cats, this is an important holiday to highlight that it’s...

The longevity of Petland (and Ed!) is certainly something to celebrate, but it isn’t the anniversary that earned Ed this award. Rather, PIJAC was highlighting his commitment to animal care and innovation, and the significant impact they have had on the companion animal trade.

PIJAC is pleased to republish the below editorial from the Hawaii Star-Advertiser. It advocates against Senate Bill 1240, a measure that through scientifically unsound means would ban aquarium fishing in Hawaii. 

One of the biggest trade shows in the nation, SuperZoo, is July 25 to 27 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada. PIJAC will be at Booth 3505, and...

Pets in the workplace have benefits like lowering stress levels and increasing job satisfaction. However, if your workplace does not regularly allow pets, here are a few tips that can help you make your case to a superior about making the event a positive experience for everyone.

Earlier this month, a PR group working on behalf of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) asked a news reporter to pretend a cat is being abused in a video purported to raise awareness about animal abuse.

Longtime PIJAC board member and Segrest Farms President Sandy Moore has been honored with the “Hall of Fame” award by the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association (FTFFA).

 PIJAC is pleased to republish the below op-ed from supporters of Hawaii’s fishing industry. The piece was originally published by the Hawaii Star-Advertiser.

Throughout 2017, PIJAC has made a concerted effort to providing the responsible pet industry’s values and perspectives with relevant media. A huge part of that is creating relationships with the dedicated cat, dog, and other writers who care for and about pets through blogs, social media, and other online sources.

National Pet Month is a time to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership – the core of what PIJAC and the pet industry do.

According to the American Humane Association, one in three pets become lost in their lifetime, and over 10 million dogs and cats become lost or stolen every year. While identification tags are a popular way to ensure pets have a way of getting home, they simply aren’t enough.

According to a growing body of research, the human-animal bond provides demonstrable health benefits for both people and pets. This is especially true for people who use therapy animals – which is why April 30 has been honored as National Therapy Animal Day.

This Friday is Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day! While some people may not think the wrinkly faces, stocky build, and slobbery mouth match their idea of the peak of physical specimen,...

For years, the responsible pet industry has been engaging, often pro-actively, with lawmakers to help them understand what ethical retailers and breeders do for pets and pet owners. Those efforts recently helped lead to industry-supported measures becoming law in Virginia, as well as forward movement on animal shelter regulations in Connecticut.

Since this sort of “Freaky Friday” swap only happens in Hollywood, let’s look at the reality of pet ownership – yes, it’s fun to have a beloved companion animal. But ownership also requires a deliberate awareness of the responsibilities we have for our pets.

Legislators chose to empower ethical businesses and focus the state’s oversight, investigative, and enforcement powers on bad actors.

by: Courtney Hogan

For nearly eight months, PIJAC has led an industry-wide effort to formalize animal care standards for small mammals, reptiles, and birds. The standards were the topic of a...

Last Thursday, “Fox and Friends” celebrated National Puppy Day by discussing some of the responsible pet industry’s best practices and the differences between unethical breeders and those in the responsible pet industry.

by: Mike Bober

Last week, PIJAC was proud to co-host discussions between Bernadette Juarez – the USDA Deputy Administrator of Animal Care for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service...

PIJAC is proud to host three important events at this week’s Global Pet Expo that are open to attendees and the press.

Across the country, PIJAC is fighting for the best standards for pets and consumers. We were proud that PIJAC Board Chair Laura “Peach” Reid was recently asked to testify in...

The accolades for the responsible pet industry just keep on coming.

In January, Entrepreneur Magazine named seven pet industry businesses to its top 450 franchise companies for the quality of...

PIJAC is proud to announce that Laura “Peach” Reid, the first female Chair of our Board of Directors, has been honored as a “Woman of Influence” by Pet Age.

PIJAC and a coalition of small business owners stopped a bill that would have devastated pet retailers and breeders in Virginia, and successfully lobbied state Senators to amend another bill so that it protected ethical breeders and held lawbreaking breeders accountable.

As 2017 rolls on, PIJAC has launched two new tools to keep the industry informed as to what’s happening in the exciting world of legislative and regulatory debate.

PIJAC President and CEO Mike Bober appeared on a prominent New Jersey radio show to discuss how the responsible pet industry is being targeted by a Democratic state Senator running for governor.

The U.S. pet industry is paws down--and fins, claws, scales, and wings down--an important and significant contributor to the U.S economy as evidenced by the findings of a recently announced study at the Pet Industry Leadership Conference on the economic impact of the U.S. pet industry.

From January 30 to February 2, PIJAC and hundreds of other leading groups and individuals will gather at the second annual Pet Industry Leadership Conference (PILC) in Laguna Beach, California, to arm the pet industry for a successful 2017.

In fact, according to First Pet by the Associated Press, the “number 400 is close to the many animals and other creatures that crept, crawled, plodded, padded, or hoofed their way into the history of the White House and the presidency.”

Deciding what attributes are best for your family is important because different small animals have their own unique behaviors.  For example, hamsters and guinea pigs interact differently with children compared to a gerbil or chinchilla.

While August 22^nd may be the official National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, every day can be a "Take Your Cat the the Vet Day" because even though your cat may look healthy, there are some common health issues that aren’t always easy to see.

In just a few short days pet product manufacturers, industry leaders and retailers across the country will gather in sunny Las Vegas for SuperZoo! This annual west coast tradeshow,...

As summer reaches its peak, people and their pets head outdoors to have fun in the sun. While spending more time outdoors together is a great way to fit in...

In a statement issued today, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council commented on a petition for rulemaking under the Animal Welfare Act to increase minimum standards at commercial dog breeding...

Communication tools such as FirstLook serve to inform and engage pet professionals, pet hobbyists, and pet businesses on what is being said within, and about, the pet industry. But how effective is FirstLook? Does it generate genuine member-engagement and interest on important issues and trends with 'clicks' on articles?

The solution to this dilemma is simple; don’t be a stranger showing up at their office.  If you have built a relationship with your legislators before an issue that threatens you arises you have a much better chance of being successful. 

Oftentimes when delivering testimony, PIJAC staff point out that those of us in the pet field don’t just care ABOUT animals, we care FOR animals. That firsthand knowledge makes our members some of the best sources available for information on best practices and standard operating procedures as well as the likely impact of proposed legislation and regulations on our trade.

This new partnership will also help protect consumer choice and be more proactive in promoting the industry and its positive programs, while advocating for the health and well-being of companion animals.

Recently, I asked Marshall Meyers, Senior Advisor and former CEO of PIJAC and a partner at Meyers & Alterman here in Washington, D.C., to pause and reflect on how PIJAC and its advocacy on behalf of pets and our industry have evolved over the years. Marshall’s experience confronting our industry’s most pressing issues predates PIJAC’s incorporation in 1971.

This was the 6th Annual St. Puppy’s Day, and my first. Hosted by Pinnacle Pet, it’s one of several events held around the country each year offering educational forums for breeders on animal healthcare, breeding best practices and kennel design and maintenance.

Scott Hardin—a biologist, expert on exotic and invasive species and proud owner of a ball python named Ricky (as in Lucy’s husband)—has the kind of insight that comes only with years of experience working at the intersection of science, environmental stewardship and public policy, balancing conservation of fish and wildlife with responsible pet ownership. 

Every year, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) hosts the Top2Top Conference—an opportunity for pet industry executives, entrepreneurs, elected officials, journalists and advocates to come together, network, and discuss a myriad of issues affecting the pet industry nationwide. 

Animal Planet’s popular Puppy Bowl, now in its 11th year, will run opposite the big game; 13.5 million of us tuned in last year to watch hours of puppies playing... All hype aside, TV commercials shown during the big game are a powerful reminder of the many choices we have as American consumers and, this year at least, what our canine companions mean to us.

Petland knows that you can’t rush the sales process. Anyone preparing to take home a first pet needs time to understand what it takes to care for even a guinea pig or hermit crab.

The annual Top2Top conference is sure to warm you from the inside out, with star-studded speaker lineup, motivational presentations, a luxury spa and award-winning golf course.

In late November, the city council in Welland, a small city in southern Ontario not far from Niagara Falls, approved a bylaw to regulate pet stores in the city that sell dogs, cats and rabbits.

In getting up to speed on all of the issues around responsible reptile ownership, I am lucky to have as my teachers leading reptile specialists right here in the PIJAC family. When it comes to reptiles, one such authority is John Mack, founder and CEO of Reptiles by Mack and one of the world’s leading experts on breeding and keeping reptiles.

With the 2014 midterm elections in the rear-view mirror, it's time to look ahead and prepare for how these elections may impact animal welfare, pet-choice, responsible pet ownership, and responsible pet businesses across the country in the coming months.

The 2015 Top2Top is sure to deliver value for those who attend. Don' t miss out. Take a moment to read the Top 5 reasons you need to be at the 2015 Top2Top Conference in sunny California and register today!

Let me briefly outline PIJAC’s position and explain why we believe microchipping is in the best interests of pets, their owners and the pet industry. It is also important to know that we are asking the Committee to consider amendments that take into account specific concerns we raised in expressing our support for the bill.

A recent editorial in the Sacramento Bee (“A Dangerous Dogs Act of 2015?” Nov. 8) called on the California State Assembly to propose a law to allow cities and counties to restrict specific dog breeds “up to and including outright bans.” People should absolutely be safe from harm and protected from violent animals. However, this is an issue that deserves to be addressed thoughtfully, rather than with knee-jerk legislation.

Since stepping into my new role earlier this month, I have been traveling around the country meeting with PIJAC members and others in the pet business community, including visits to pet shops and commercial breeders. I am listening carefully to your input, deepening my understanding of the critical issues facing us and building new relationships.

Thomas Edison once said: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” At the 2015 Top2Top, however, the opportunity to network with industry leaders and learn the latest trends will look more like a workcation and come outfitted in business casual attire and sunglasses.

As a busy pet industry executive, it’s difficult for you to stay regularly informed about important pet-related news and information that affects your business. That’s why PIJAC is now offering to its members PIJAC FirstLook, your daily executive news brief.

I would like to personally share my stance on reptile ownership and ensure both owners of reptiles and the organizations that support them that as President and CEO of PIJAC I will work to protect reptiles as fiercely as any other pet type.

The post-survey results are in! See what attendees thought of the 2014 Top2Top Conference.

Have you read the following op-ed supporting our position in Connecticut? The article was recently published by the Hartford Courant and comes at an important time for responsible pet stores and supporters of pet-choice in the Constitution State.

The facilities for the 2014 Top2Top conference are second to none--much like the topics and networking opportunities. If you haven't seen Amelia Island Plantation, take a moment to...

Is the hazy shade of winter making you long for gentle ocean breezes? Fear not. The 2014 Top2Top at the Amelia Island Plantation in sunny Florida is right around the corner.

PIJAC and the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (WESPAC) submitted new scientific information to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regarding the 66 coral species proposed for listing...

USARK and PIJAC have been in constant communication about these issues for quite some time, and worked very hard to submit pertinent information during the rule making process. We...

The serious issue of pet flipping is gaining national attention. PIJAC, the Better Business Bureau, and major news outlets such as NBC's Today Show, Time, and radio's Jim Bohannon Show are alerting consumers to the issue. Read this post to learn what pet flipping is and how you can prevent you and your family from becoming a victim.

We want to share some very kind words that were included in Pet Business' review of this year's Top2Top. Please visit their site--petbusiness.com--to read the entire article.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) released the Topic Roundtable Survey today. The survey suggests topics to be discussed between industry leaders...

Napa and the surrounding areas are more than just a destination for wine aficionados. The location for the 2013 Pet Industry’s Top2Top Conference...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The first annual Pet Industry ’s Top2Top Conference received rave reviews from attendees. Of note were the outstanding speakers, the networking functions, and the overall benefits...

Future in Focus

By Cathy Calliotte

The second-annual Pet Industry’s Top2Top Conference will offer a variety of sessions that focus on ensuring the continued success of the pet care...

Top2Top Registration Open

Registration is now open for the second annual Top2Top Conference, sponsored by the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (Washington). The conference will be held April 23-25, 2013,...

Contact:
Cathy Calliotte
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
202-452-1525 x107
cathy@pijac.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) is...

The ...

Why Attend?

Watch as PIJAC Chairman, Jim Heim, shares why pet professionals need to attend the 2013 Top2Top Conference in Napa, California.

http://vimeo.com/55302466

As Jim points out...

Let’s face it. We spend way too much time working and not enough time with our loved ones. Why not mix a little business with pleasure and bring your significant...

Infographics are amazing. What’s an infographic? They are pictures that turn lots of numbers (data) into something easy to understand (information). Infographics are particularly valuable in social media because they...

No other conference will help you improve and protect your bottom-line like the 2013 Top2Top Conference in Napa, California. You can’t afford to miss it. Why, you might ask? Let’s...

Are you a pet industry professional and not sure if you will attend the 2013 Top2Top Conference in Napa? Judging on the feedback from last year’s attendees, you can’t afford...

With the 2013 Pet Industry’s Top2Top conference less than 6-months away, registration for the event is now live!

What better way to kick-off registration–and the industry’s newest blog–than to look...

Welcome to the pet industry’s newest blog!

This blog exists to increase awareness about important issues facing the industry and extend the conversation on those issues beyond the Pet Industry’s...