WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 18, 2022) – The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food in the United States, welcomes Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) as he joins Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) in co-chairing the Congressional Pet Caucus. The bipartisan caucus first launched in 2020 and serves as an important venue for policymakers to address issues relevant to dog and cat nutrition and the human-animal bond.
“We welcome the leadership of Reps. Craig and Johnson in the Congressional Pet Caucus, which will address issues relevant to both pet food makers and pet lovers across the country,” said Dana Brooks, president and CEO of PFI. “This caucus is an important avenue where policymakers can come together to identify opportunities to advance pet nutrition, celebrate the benefits pets bring to our lives and find bipartisan policy solutions to the challenges at hand.”
Rep. Johnson said, “We have all seen the important bond so many people have with their pets. I am looking forward to working with Rep. Craig to advance common-sense policy in this area.”
“I am honored to announce the Congressional Pet Caucus today alongside my friend, colleague and co-chair, Dusty Johnson,” said Rep. Craig. “Pets are members of the family and bring joy to millions of American homes – and we are lucky to have them in our lives. Our family is particularly blessed by our nearly 14-year-old golden retriever, Summitt, and our rescue cat, Sophie. Every pet owner wants the best for their animal – which is why we are relaunching the Congressional Pet Caucus to promote commonsense legislation to advance pet nutrition, support adoption programs, educate Americans and so much more.”
Dogs and cats are important members of the household for many Americans, with more than two-thirds of U.S. homes having at least one pet. America’s love for pets also helps support the economy and agriculture. PFI member companies manufacture pet food in 32 states and employ more than 25,000 people and, overall, pet food makers produce more than 8.9 million tons of food a year. A 2020 study found that pet food makers use more than 8.6 million tons of animal- and plant-based ingredients a year, representing more than 500 different ingredients.
For more information about U.S. pet food, please visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.