Brussels, 29 September 2026 – At its annual #PetPower Night, Pet Alliance Europe once again gathered almost 100 participants, including Members of the European Parliament, European Commission and Council officials, animal welfare organisations, and assistance and therapy animal associations—many joined by their four-legged friends.

Hosted at the Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to the EU and held in anticipation of World Animal Day on 4 October, the event centred on the theme “A Different Kind of Care: Animals That Heal”, spotlighting the therapeutic power of the human-animal bond and its role in helping people rebuild their lives.

The evening’s guest speaker was Sanpa Dogs, part of Italy’s San Patrignano Community. Its presentation showed how caring for rescued dogs helps people in addiction recovery rebuild trust, responsibility and relationships, while preparing the dogs for adoption.

Speaking on behalf of Pet Alliance Europe, Roxane Feller (Director General, AnimalhealthEurope), Milica Jevtic (Secretary General, FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood) and Ann Criel (President, FECAVA) said:

“With 139 million households in Europe owning a pet, the bond between people and animals is one of society’s strongest. As Alliance partners, we are united in advocating for responsible ownership, ensuring high standards of care, and supporting EU policies that safeguard pet welfare.”

This year’s celebration came at a landmark moment for pets in Europe. In June 2026, the EU adopted its first-ever Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability (Regulation (EU) 2026/1818), now published in the Official Journal. Applying from 2028, it will raise the welfare of cats and dogs across Europe by setting, for the first time, common EU standards for their breeding, housing, care and handling. These standards extend to shelters, establishing minimum housing and care requirements that will ensure a high level of care for animals awaiting a new home — echoing the very work celebrated on the night.

Closing the evening, MEP Petras Auštrevičius reflected on the importance of advancing pet welfare in EU policymaking and announced the winners of the 2026 “Best Buddies in the Brussels Bubble” photo contest, now in its fifth edition. The two winning entries  – Bianca with MEP Letizia Moratti and Lilou with Markaya Henderson and Spencer Houcks from European Disability Forum – each received €500 to donate to an animal-related charity of their choice.

A pet ‘PAWtrait’ corner gave participants and their pets a keepsake of the evening.