WASHINGTON, DC — On Feb. 18, the Pet Food Institute (PFI) announced that Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., will be co-chairing the Congressional Pet Caucus along with Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn. The bipartisan caucus originally launched in 2020 and acts as a platform for policymakers to address pet food and nutrition issues.

“We welcome the leadership of Reps. Angie Craig and Dusty 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 chief executive officer 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.”

PFI members consist of pet food manufacturers in 32 states and employ more than 25,000 people.

“We have all seen the important bond so many people have with their pets,” Johnson said. “I am looking forward to working with Rep. Craig to advance common-sense policy in this area.”

According to PFI, pet food companies produce more than 8.9 million tons of food annually, using 8.6 million tons of ingredients from plants and animals.

“I am honored to announce the Congressional Pet Caucus today alongside my friend, colleague and co-chair, Dusty Johnson,” Caig said. “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.”

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.