April 2006 / Issue 10
PIJAC Perspectives
PIJAC: The Pet Industry’s Unified Voice
PIJAC’S MISSION
Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) promotes responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, fosters environmental stewardship, and ensures the availability of pets. In doing so, it supports and benefits all segments of our industry.
WHO IS PIJAC?
For more than thirty years, PIJAC has been the pet industry’s advocate. As a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C., PIJAC’s staff of lawyers, biologists and governmental affairs specialists is well positioned to get your message heard…and effectively!
- PIJAC represents your interests to legislators, regulators, educators, scientists, and conveys accurate and appropriate information to the media.
- PIJAC is the industry voice heard by Federal government, and in each of the 50 states, as well as internationally. PIJAC serves on many task forces and working groups interested in companion animal ownership and regulation matters.
- PIJAC commands attention as a respected resource of information and expertise for entities formulating policies on pet industry issues.
- PIJAC is governed by a 15 member Board of Directors with equal representation from each segment of the industry. Additional directors represent the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association (FTFFA), Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), and World Wide Pet Industry Association (WWPIA).
WHY DO YOU NEED PIJAC?
PIJAC plays a special and unique role benefiting manufacturers and distributors. They constantly track numerous policies and regulations that could greatly impact your business as well as the ability of your customers – retailers – to grow and prosper. PIJAC focuses on animal issues, pet store and breeder facility standards, and thousands of proposals that impact the importation, breeding, sale or possession of pets -- issues not normally part of your day-to-day business!
PIJAC Monitors Legislation
- Keeps track of legislation and regulations affecting the pet industry at all levels of government (international, federal and state)
- Submits comments and testimony explaining the industry’s position
- Supports or opposes legislation and regulations considering the best interest of the animals, the public and the industry
- Mobilizes action to combat harmful proposals that could directly impact your business
PIJAC Promotes Your Industry and Responsible Pet Ownership
- Communicates the importance of responsible pet ownership
- Educates breeders, importers/exporters, retailers, the media and consumers on acceptable pet care practices
- Publishes user friendly posters and handouts on animal care and safe handling
PIJAC Keeps Our Industry Informed and Educated
- Develops animal care standards
- Sponsors seminars, lectures, symposiums and meetings
- Distributes valuable pet industry information
- Leads, in collaboration with the Federal government, HabitattitudeTM,
a national campaign to educate consumers on the environmental consequences of releasing unwanted pets. Visit www.habitattitude.net for more information
PIJAC MEMBERSHIP: JOIN TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE YOUR INDUSTRY!
PIJAC membership is open to any person or firm engaged in the pet industry.
Membership Benefits Include:
- Opportunity to influence state and national laws and regulations that could impact your business
- Participation in PIJAC committees such as Governmental Affairs, Education, and Membership
- Discounts on PIJAC’s educational seminars and reference manuals
- Access to PIJAC’s Members-Only website portal (more resources = greater advantages)
- Receive timely, industry-relevant information:
- PetAlerts - announcements of impending legislation and regulations that affect the pet industry (stay informed and take action)
- PetLetter - a member newsletter covering key PIJAC activities and events (be involved)
CONTACT:
Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)
Suite 400, 1220 19th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 452-1525 / (800) 553-7387 (members only)
Fax: (202) 293-4377
Email: info@pijac.org
Web: www.PIJAC.org