Pet Variable Coalition Launches to Push Pets Into Health Policy
SAN ANTONIO – October 30, 2026 -- A new national coalition, The Pet Variable, will lobby to have the human-animal bond recognized as a social determinant of health (SDoH) in federal, state and local policy, citing research that up to 70% of American families include a pet.
The group launches with nine founding members across public health, veterinary medicine, housing, social services, research and policy. They are CARE (Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity), Annie & Millie's Place, RedRover, BestyBnB, My Dog is My Home, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), Ohio State's College of Veterinary Medicine, JVR Strategies and The Pet Vet Connection.