Pet Alliance Europe brought together almost 100 participants for its annual PetPower Night in Brussels on 29 September, celebrating the human–animal bond and its potential to support people through difficult periods in their lives.
Animals that heal
Held ahead of World Animal Day on 4 October, the event focused on “A Different Kind of Care: Animals That Heal”. Guest speakers from Sanpa Dogs, part of Italy’s San Patrignano Community, described how caring for rescued dogs forms part of the community’s addiction-recovery programme. By caring for dogs that have themselves experienced difficult circumstances, participants develop trust, responsibility and respect, while helping the animals regain confidence and find new homes.
Advocating for responsible pet ownership
The event also highlighted the broader importance of responsible pet ownership and high standards of animal care. Representatives of Pet Alliance Europe – AnimalhealthEurope, FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood and FECAVA – stressed that, with 139 million European households owning a pet, the human–animal bond has an important place in society. ‘As Alliance partners, we are united in advocating for responsible ownership, ensuring high standards of care and supporting EU policies that safeguard pet welfare,’ said Ann Criel, FECAVA president and UEVP board member.
Pet welfare on the EU agenda
The celebration followed the adoption in June of the EU’s first Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. Regulation (EU) 2026/1818 establishes common EU standards for the breeding, housing, care and handling of dogs and cats, including minimum requirements for shelters.
The evening, hosted by MEP Petras Auštrevičius, also featured the fifth “Best Buddies in the Brussels Bubble” photo competition. The two winners each received €500 to donate to an animal-related charity of their choice. More about the event here.
(photo ©PetAlliance)