Nonprofit Shines a Spotlight on Pets and the Power of the Human-Animal Bond

STAMFORD, CONN. (Aug. 31, 2022) – Pets Add Life (PAL) has announced the launch of its “Recharge” campaign, the latest initiative for the nonprofit dedicated to promoting the joys and benefits of pet ownership. The campaign highlights the power pets have to recharge their owners’ minds, bodies and emotions on a daily basis. PAL was founded by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the leading trade association serving the interests of the pet products industry.

According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey:

• More than 80% of all pet owners agree pets are a good source of affection and interacting with a pet can help them relax, providing the benefits of relaxation and stress relief.
• Nearly 50% of all pet owners recognize the most universal benefit of pet ownership is that pets are fun to watch and have in the household.
• As compared to 91% in 2018, 94% of pet owners recognize the health benefits of having a pet for themselves and their families.

PAL’s “Recharge” campaign comes to life through social and digital ads, animated graphics, videos, an influencer campaign and more. The playful content showcases how pets are an endless source of fun and energy and bring joy to the lives of their owners.

“The power of the human-animal bond on elevating both the physical and mental wellbeing of humans is increasingly supported by scientific research. Through dynamic, relatable imagery and narration, the ‘Recharge’ campaign showcases how animals can sense our moods and have the ability to bestow joy and peacefulness that melts away the struggles and challenges of the day,” said Bob Merar, interim CEO of APPA. “The various ways in which humans benefit from pets are deeply intertwined with health and wellbeing, something we hope this campaign will further amplify.”

Launched in 2005 as a public service effort by APPA, the PAL program seeks to promote the joys and benefits of pet ownership, grow responsible pet ownership, and educate pet owners and potential pet owners on the proper care of companion animals. Since its inception, it has garnered millions of impressions and thousands of loyal followers across PAL’s social media platforms. Plans are in the works for expanded educational content and resources that will roll out across multiple platforms. 

To spread further awareness, PAL is a supporting partner of select 2022 Bark at the Park events, encouraging pet adoption and giving baseball fans the opportunity to attend games alongside their canine companion at MLB stadiums across the country. In tandem with rescue groups in each market, a portion of ticket proceeds go to Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s (ARF) Pets and Vets program, where in 2018, APPA pledged $1 million to support expansion of Pets and Vets, which pairs shelter dogs with veterans coping with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, anxiety and other service-related challenges.

To find out more about how pets can recharge your life, visit https://petsaddlife.org/power-of-pets/. For more information on PAL, visit PetsAddLife.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

ABOUT PETS ADD LIFE

Founded by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2005, Pets Add Life (PAL) is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the joys and benefits of pet ownership. PAL’s vision is to become the leading resource for pet matchmaking, information, products and services, ultimately creating a community with robust educational content rooted in the benefits of the human-animal bond. Learn more about Pets Add Life at PetsAddLife.org or on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.