AVMA spotlights benefits, responsibilities of pet ownership during National Pet Week 2025
During National Pet Week (May 4–10), the AVMA is encouraging pet owners to take comfort in a source of joy, companionship, and mental health support that's often right at their feet.
A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) confirms what pet owners have long known: pets make our lives better, with 81% of respondents reporting that their pets had a positive impact on their mental health. Among them, 65% specifically credited their pets with reducing stress and anxiety, while adults 65 and older were especially likely to recognize the emotional benefits of pet companionship. During National Pet Week, APA is supporting AVMA's efforts and also encouraging social followers to take a #Paws4MentalHealth.
'Whether it's a wagging tail, a calming purr, bursts of play or just quiet companionship, pets bring us comfort, connection and happiness—often when we need it the most,' said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. 'But it's important to remember that this bond is a two-way street. National Pet Week is our opportunity to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and remind everyone of the importance of providing them with the love and care they need to thrive.'
Established in 1981 by the AVMA and the Auxiliary to the AVMA, National Pet Week highlights the essential needs of pets and promotes responsible pet ownership through daily themes, educational resources, and celebrations across the country.
Pet owners and veterinary professionals can visit AVMA.org/PetWeek for helpful tips, tools, and materials—including the official National Pet Week Toolkit—to make the most of the celebration.
Each day of National Pet Week focuses on a different topic essential to responsible pet ownership. This year's topics include:
Sunday – Choose well: Commit for lifeWhile the prospect of adding a pet to the family may be exciting, it's important that people are not impulsive or careless when bringing a new pet into their homes. Select the pet that's right for your family's lifestyle and make a commitment to that pet for its life. Even if you have already welcomed a pet into your home, your veterinarian can help you better understand the social and healthcare needs of your individual pet. View AVMA's resources on selecting a pet for your family.
Monday – Behavioral health: Habits for happy petsKeep your pet happy and healthy by promoting positive interactions. Try creating an environment that encourages natural behaviors by introducing puzzles, games and interactive toys, or learning new skills. Activities like target training are wonderful options for dogs and cats—and even other pets, like fish! You can also promote good behavior by helping your pets get comfortable in new situations by safely exposing them to a variety of interactions with other animals, people, places and activities. View AVMA's resources on socializing dogs and cats, as well as a video on socializing pets.
Tuesday – Nutrition and exercise matterWith more than half of dogs and cats in the United States considered overweight or obese, and humans plagued by this issue as well, the AVMA encourages pets and their owners to get regular exercise— together. This not only improves cardiovascular health, maintains a healthy weight, and supports good mental health for both owner and pet, but it strengthens the human-animal bond. For tips on walking, running, or starting another exercise program with your pet, visit avma.org/Walking, and watch AVMA's National Pet Week video on the importance of proper pet nutrition.
Wednesday – Love your pet? See your vet!Everybody loves their pet, yet many pet owners do not take their pets to the veterinarian unless they are visibly sick or injured. Pets often hide signs of illness. It's really important to have regular check-ups with your veterinarian, as it is vital to catching health problems early. Not only can early treatment mean better health for your pet, it can also save you money. The cost of preventive care usually pales in comparison to the cost of treating the disease or issue in more advanced stages. Regular exams detect problems early, before they become more serious and more expensive to treat. View AVMA's money tips for caring pet owners.
Thursday – Travel with careMany people are planning on traveling this summer, and traveling with pets requires advance planning and coordination to keep everybody safe. Whether you're taking a short car trip or flying to another state or country, getting your pet safely to your destination requires special planning and precautions, as well as a plan for the pet once you reach your destination. Plan ahead and know exactly what's needed when you travel with pets of different species. View AVMA's pets in vehicles resources, and see AVMA's National Pet Week video on safe pet travel.
Friday – Emergencies happen: Be preparedWe never know when or where an emergency will happen. As a pet owner, you need to plan ahead, and include your pets in your family's emergency plan. Know what to do in case of an emergency, how to assemble first aid and emergency kits and how to properly identify your pets so your family can be reunited if you're ever separated. Make sure your pets are microchipped and always wearing owner identification on their collar as well. Watch AVMA's 'Emergencies Happen: Be Prepared' video.
Saturday – Plan for their care: Give them a lifetime of loveThanks to better care, pets are living longer now than they ever have before—and as pets get older, they need extra care and attention. Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets before they become advanced or life-threatening. They also can improve your pet's chances for a longer and healthier life. Visit the AVMA's page for senior pets to find out what is 'normal' and what may signal a reason for concern regarding an aging pet.
Pet owners are encouraged to visit AVMA.org/PetWeek for more information on ways to celebrate their pets and resources to help them provide appropriate care. The AVMA is also offering an official National Pet Week toolkit for veterinarians to utilize in observing the week with their staff and clients.
For more information, contact Michael San Filippo, AVMA senior media relations manager, at 847-732-6194 (cell/text) or msanfilippo@avma.org.
About the American Veterinary Medical Association
Serving more than 108,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONMichael San FilippoMedia Relations ManagerAmerican Veterinary Medical AssociationCell/text: 847-732-6194msanfilippo@avma.org
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysian Reserve
14 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Medline named Prime Vendor by Wachusett Healthcare
East Coast provider of skilled nursing and rehabilitative services taps into Medline's supply chain and clinical portfolio NORTHFIELD Ill., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Medline today announced a new Prime Vendor agreement with skilled nursing and rehabilitative services provider Wachusett Healthcare. As part of the agreement, Wachusett Healthcare's facilities will choose from Medline's extensive portfolio of medical products and supplies, including Medline's skin health products. The East Coast-based organization will also receive accompanying skin health guidelines, educational programs and evidence-based online training courses for continuing education in skin and wound care via Medline University, as well as in-servicing through Medline's team of clinicians and skin health specialists. 'At Wachusett Healthcare, we are always striving to enhance the quality of care and operational excellence across our facilities. Our partnership with Medline represents a strategic alignment with a leader in healthcare supply chain solutions,' said Steven Vera, Chief Executive Officer, Wachusett Healthcare. 'It will allow us to streamline our procurement process, ensure consistent access to high-quality products, and ultimately support our staff in delivering exceptional care to our residents.' Said Brendon Anderson, corporate accounts director for Medline Long-Term Care: 'Wachusett Healthcare is committed to providing a safe and compassionate care environment. We will support them in their commitment by ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality medical products that positively impacts Wachusett's care delivery needs. We are honored to be their Prime Vendor.' Learn how Medline works with long-term care providers to improve clinical, financial and operational outcomes at About MedlineMedline is the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care. Through its broad product portfolio, resilient supply chain and leading clinical solutions, Medline helps healthcare providers improve their clinical, financial and operational outcomes. Headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, the company employs more than 43,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries and territories. To learn more about how Medline makes healthcare run better, visit FacebookTwitterLinkedInYouTube
Malaysian Reserve
17 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Statement from the American Nurses Association on Passing of H.R.1 in the Senate
Patients, Nurses, Hospitals and Our Health System Count on Medicaid SILVER SPRING, Md., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Congress considers proposals that would significantly reduce federal support for Medicaid, the American Nurses Association is urging lawmakers to reflect not only on the policy implications but also on the real-world consequences for patients, providers, and communities across the country. 'Today, the Senate passed HR1, which, if it becomes law, will have devastating consequences for patients, nurses, and healthcare overall, particularly for those in rural and medically underserved areas. Patients and nurses deserve better,' said Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the ANA. 'Medicaid is not just a budget line item—it is the backbone of care for millions of Americans, including seniors in nursing homes, children with complex medical needs, and working families in rural and underserved areas. It is also a critical pillar of the nursing workforce. Cuts to Medicaid would result in hospital and clinic closures, especially in rural areas, and would force nurses to shoulder even heavier workloads, leading to burnout, attrition, and ultimately, worse patient outcomes.' These are not abstract warnings. Nurses across the country are already reporting the strain: higher patient ratios, reduced resources, and the moral injury of being unable to provide the care their patients deserve. Medicaid accounts for 19% of hospital revenues nationwide. Reductions in funding will ripple through the entire health care system, threatening both access and quality of care. Elected members of Congress should consider the political lessons of the past. In 2018, more than 20 Republican House members who voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act lost their seats. While many factors contributed to those outcomes, the public's concern over health care access—particularly Medicaid—was a decisive issue in many districts. This is an important reminder that voters care deeply about health care, and they are paying attention. Constituents, especially nurses in the communities and their patients, are relying on our elected officials to do the right thing and to protect Medicaid. About the American Nurses Association As the oldest organization representing more than 5 million registered nurses, the American Nurses Association stands at the forefront of advancing nursing excellence. The association harnesses The Power of Nurses™ to champion the profession and drive transformation in healthcare. Through legislative and political advocacy, comprehensive educational services, and the profession's leading Code of Ethics and Scope and Standards, the association empowers nurses across every specialty and practice setting. The association is committed to ensuring healthy work environments, shaping pioneering policies, and cultivating partnerships that enhance both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare experience. MEDIA CONTACT: newsroom@
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Zuowei Technology Shining at WHX Miami Medical Expo
SHENZHEN, China, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — From June 11 to 13, the 2025 WHX Miami Medical Expo (formerly known as FIME), the annual grand event of the medical industry in the Americas, was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. As one of the largest and most influential professional exhibitions for medical devices and equipment in the Americas, WHX Miami attracted top companies from around the world, serving as a vital hub connecting the healthcare markets of North America, South America, and the Caribbean. Among the many exhibitors, Shenzhen Zuowei Technology Co., Ltd. from China stood out with its impressive presence. Its cutting-edge intelligent nursing robots and innovative solutions became a highlight of the expo, drawing significant attention from attendees and industry professionals alike. Zuowei Technology showcased a series of its latest Intelligent Incontinence Cleaning product at the expo, including Gait Training Electric Wheelchair, Portable Bed Shower Machine, and Foldable Electric Mobility Scooter. Among them, the Portable Bed Shower Machine stood out with its compact design and powerful functionality. Specially developed for individuals with limited mobility, this device breaks through the traditional constraints of bathing environments and labor demands. With its one-touch intelligent operation, constant temperature system, and safety-focused design, the machine makes the bathing process easy, safe, and convenient. The Gait Training Electric Wheelchair also garnered significant attention at the expo. Equipped with high-precision sensors and an intelligent navigation system, it provides stable and secure walking assistance for individuals with mobility impairments. Meanwhile, the foldable electric mobility scooter, known for its 'small size, big power,' features a lightweight, easily foldable design for effortless transport, extended battery life, and a comfortable riding experience—bringing newfound freedom of movement to users facing travel limitations. These products seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into caregiving scenarios. They not only highlight Zuowei Technology's strong R&D capabilities in intelligent nursing solutions but also reflect the keen insight of Chinese enterprises into the evolving global care market. During the three-day exhibition, the Zuowei Technology team welcomed over 100 clients from around the world with great enthusiasm and professionalism. Among them were long-term overseas partners who have worked closely with the company for years, as well as new clients who were instantly drawn to the unique appeal of Zuowei's products upon first contact. A U.S.-based distributor shared his thoughts with the media: 'Zuowei's products are truly outstanding. I believe there will be strong demand for them in the U.S. market. We look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with Zuowei Technology to jointly promote the development of intelligent caregiving technologies.' The company's representative, in an interview with reporters, commented: 'This exhibition holds great significance for us. We see it as a key opportunity to accelerate our international expansion, actively explore global markets, and provide high-quality, efficient products and solutions to clients worldwide.' In recent years, as Chinese enterprises continue to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies and demonstrate remarkable product innovation, an increasing number of Chinese medical technology products are gaining recognition in international markets. Zuowei Technology has already established stable business relationships with partners in over 50 countries and regions worldwide, earning widespread praise and trust. Dedicated to intelligent care for the disabled elderly, Zuowei Technology focuses on six essential caregiving needs—toileting, bathing, eating, getting in and out of bed, walking, and dressing. The company provides comprehensive solutions combining intelligent nursing series and smart caregiving platforms, delivering more thoughtful, professional, and technology-driven elderly care experiences to users around the globe. Zuowei remains committed to contributing to the global senior care industry with cutting-edge innovation and heartfelt service.
