ALEXANDRIA, VA. — To better reflect its role in the pet care industry, Pet Advocacy Network unveiled its new name, logo and website. The association, formerly known as the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), announced its comprehensive rebranding at a reception during Global Pet Expo March 22 celebrating the association’s 50^th anniversary.

“’Pet Advocacy Network’ embodies who we are, what we do and why we do it,” said Mike Bober, president and chief executive officer, Pet Advocacy Network. “This new name purposefully aligns with our role as a connector for the responsible pet care community to lawmakers, governing bodies and coalitions in the U.S. and worldwide advocating for the well-being of pets and the value of animal companionship.”

In addition to its new name and logo, the Pet Advocacy Network unveiled its new website, petadvocacy.org. The new site features a more efficient member registration and donation process and an easy-to-navigate library of expert-backed resources including animal care guides and retailer best management practices. Additional website features include an updated advocacy section to view state and federal legislation and local ordinances that the Pet Advocacy Network is tracking.

Prior to rebranding, the association conducted research including a comprehensive communications audit, interviews with key stakeholders and a survey of select pet care community audiences.

“The name PIJAC served us well for our first 50 years, but it was apparent after the research was conducted that it was time to make a change for the future,” said John Mack III, Pet Advocacy Network board chair and founder and chief executive officer of Reptiles by Mack in Xenia, Ohio. “Becoming the Pet Advocacy Network best represents our mission to advocate for animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, access to healthy pets and environmental stewardship.”

The association monitors information sources to learn about proposed government bills and actions that could help or harm its members’ businesses, and acts, as needed, to advance or stop prospective legislation or regulations before they become law. According to the Pet Advocacy Network, as the percentage of US households containing at least one pet continues to rise, legislative and regulatory challenges to restrict opportunities for pet ownership or impede access to pet care products and services intensify.

Visit the association’s new website to learn more about the Pet Advocacy Network.

Read more news from associations and agencies in the pet food sector.