Pet Alliance Europe spotlights assistance dogs and animal welfare at Annual #PetPower Night 2025
Brussels, 22 September 2025 – At its annual #PetPower Night in Brussels, Pet Alliance Europe once again gathered over 100 participants, including Members of the European Parliament, European Commission and Council officials, animal welfare organisations, assistance animal associations, and stakeholders from the pet industry—many joined by their four-legged friends. The event, held in anticipation of World Animal Day, celebrated the power of pets (#PetPower) and reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to advancing animal welfare.
The evening’s focus was on breeding assistance dogs for a durable bond in supporting people’s independence and wellbeing. Herbert Schroyen, Board Member at Purpose Dogs, delivered the keynote, sharing the organization’s mission:
“Our work is dedicated to optimizing the physical and character traits of developing assistance dogs in a scientifically sound manner and with respect for animal welfare.
Herbert stressed the need to ensure the appropriate animals are selected for assistance dog training:
“When a traditional assistance dog association currently acquires a non-purpose-dogs puppy, in many cases it only has a 40 percent chance of being successfully trained. To increase the success rate of puppies, at Purpose Dogs we operate a breeding program where the best parents are selected to build an assistance dog population with fewer congenital problems. This helps us to ensure that more people in need get the best help.”
The topic resonated strongly, especially in light of the ongoing negotiations to finalise the EU Regulation on the welfare and traceability of cats and dogs.
Speaking with one voice, the partners of Pet Alliance Europe – AnimalhealthEurope, FEDIAF, FVE and FECAVA – emphasised their shared commitment:
“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—including the new proposal on the welfare and traceability of cats and dogs.”
Closing the evening, MEP Petras Auštrevičius shared reflections on the importance of advancing pet welfare in EU policymaking and proudly announced the winners of the 2025 “Best Buddies in the Brussels Bubble” photo contest, now in its fourth edition.
The event also featured a digital photo wall and pet ‘PAWtrait’ corner, ensuring participants and their pets left with memories of the celebration.
Pet Alliance Europe reaffirmed its mission to advocate for responsible pet ownership, support EU policies that safeguard animal welfare, and showcase the many ways pets enhance European lives.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About Pet Alliance Europe
Pet Alliance Europe was formed in 2021 by AnimalhealthEurope and FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood, later joined by FECAVA (Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations) and FVE (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe). United in the belief that pet ownership enhances the lives of all Europeans, the Alliance works to advocate for pet welfare, highlight the latest scientific findings, and promote the many societal benefits of pets – #PetPower. More: www.pet-power.eu
About the #PetPower Night & Photo Competition
The annual #PetPower Night in Brussels celebrates the role of pets in European society and policy. The accompanying “Best Buddies in the Brussels Bubble” photo competition showcases the lighter side of EU life, reminding everyone of the joy and companionship pets bring.
About the Alliance Partners
AnimalhealthEurope represents companies that research, develop and manufacture veterinary medicines in Europe. Representing innovators and generics alike, as well as large, medium-sized and small companies, AnimalhealthEurope’s membership covers 90% of the European market for veterinary products.
FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood represents the pet food industry in Europe. While we work sustainably every day to provide nutritious, safe products that benefit pets, our work beyond pet food. Our work is also about pet wellbeing and how pets can enhance the lives of Europeans.
FVE represents veterinary organisations from 38 European Countries (44 members and 2 observers). We also represent veterinarians working in different fields of the profession. FVE strives to enhance animal health, animal welfare, public health and the protection of the environment by promoting the veterinary profession. FECAVA, the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, represents more than 25,000 companion animal veterinarians in 39 European countries through its member associations. FECAVA strives to improve the veterinary care of pets through professional development. It also provides a voice for companion animal issues at European level and works closely with other European veterinary organisations and stakeholders.