Zoetis And Its Partners Launch Handbook To Help Shape A Pet-Inclusive Society
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Zoetis Inc., the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) launched “The Human-Animal Bond Handbook: Best practices to advance global initiatives and policies that benefit human and animal health”, at the second Companion Animals Stakeholder Summit in Brussels. The handbook provides real-world examples to assist decision-makers in shaping policies that foster positive relationships with companion animals and increase awareness among stakeholders and businesses of private-sector actions to improve the well-being of people and their pets.
Building on the company’s recent efforts to bring the human-animal bond to the forefront, The Human-Animal Bond Handbook highlights key themes and actionable insights, including:
- Removing barriers to pet ownership: Addressing challenges related to housing policies, travel, and access to public spaces to ensure pets are fully integrated into daily life.
- Supporting veterinary services: Strengthening support for veterinarians, improving access to pet healthcare, and fostering innovation in veterinary medicine.
- Promoting One Health initiatives: Advocating for policies that recognize the interconnected health of people, animals, and the environment, while integrating pets into disaster preparedness plans and public health strategies.
The Human-Animal Bond Handbook is a comprehensive guide of best practices from around the globe that reinforces the benefits of this bond. It explores successful initiatives that demonstrate the universal advantages of nurturing this unique relationship and highlights ways to address the difficulties pet owners may encounter. The handbook offers viable solutions to these challenges, providing practical strategies to improve the well-being of both pets and their owners.
“With 95% of pet owners reporting that pets are family[1], and numerous studies[2] underscoring the benefits of pet ownership, science has proven that the human-animal bond is a powerful force for improving both human and animal well-being,” said Jeannette Ferran Astorga, EVP, Corporate Affairs, Zoetis. “With the launch of ‘The Human-Animal Bond Handbook’, we aim to drive global action to support policies that strengthen this bond—ensuring veterinary professionals have the resources they need, pet care remains accessible, and communities become more pet-friendly. By working together, we can create an environment where pets receive the best possible care and, in return, provide comfort, companionship, and countless benefits to their owners.”
Participants at the second Companion Animals Stakeholder Summit emphasized the need for greater political recognition of the human-animal bond as an essential element of physical and mental health for both humans and animals. Despite global progress in pet-friendly legislation, the EU currently lacks policies or initiatives that promote the health and well-being benefits of the human-animal bond.
Stakeholders advocated for strengthening the role of the veterinary profession and underscored the importance of the human-animal bond within the One Health framework. This includes its critical role in global disaster relief efforts and supporting pet-friendly environments throughout the world. The discussions highlighted the multifaceted benefits of the human-animal bond and called for comprehensive strategies to integrate these insights into public health policies and veterinary practices worldwide.
With this handbook showing how pet-friendly policies can change human and animal life for the better, Zoetis, FECAVA, and FVE commit to advocating for policies that honor this timeless bond, calling for others to join the partnership. Together, they will work collaboratively to ensure a future where the human-animal bond is recognized as a transformative element for animal health and welfare, making this vision a reality. By recognizing and fostering this bond today, Zoetis and its partners pave the way for a more compassionate world tomorrow.
"FECAVA realizes the importance of conversation starters like the human-animal bond cannot be underestimated. These topics will form the basis of conversations around future research, guidelines and even regulations,” said Danny Holmes, President, FECAVA. “We will increasingly look at delivery of clinical services through this prism. FECAVA are delighted to be involved with a multiple stakeholder and interdisciplinary approach to this subject supported by this launch event and handbook."
“All companion animals deserve the veterinary care they need,” said Nancy de Briyne, Executive Director, FVE. “Breaking down barriers to veterinary services strengthens not just animal welfare, but society as a whole. Veterinarians are key to making access to care a reality for all, strengthening the human-animal bond at every level. I encourage everybody to read this fantastic Handbook which showcases solutions to ensure no pet is left behind and how to strengthen the fantastic bond people and companion animals have.”
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 producers. 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 $9.3 billion in 2024 with approximately 13,800 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.
[1] https://habri.org/pressroom/20220116
[2] https://habri.org/research/mental-health
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