PVMA’s Position
Pet shall mean: A domesticated animal that has been bought, bred, raised or otherwise acquired and maintained in accordance with local, state and federal laws for the primary purpose of providing companionship and/or enjoyment to the owner. The owner must show that the animal has received adequate care including, but not limited to: food, shelter, space, water, light, ventilation, sanitation, exercise, and veterinary care as required to prevent illnesses and maintain the health of the animal; thus illustrating that the owner manifests a clear concern for the animal’s health, safety, and welfare. Companionship and/or enjoyment includes substantial evidence of an existing “human-animal bond” with the owner. To establish the existence of this “human-animal bond,” the owner must demonstrate a strong and continuous relationship between the owner and the animal, including, but not limited to, most of the following criteria:
- A name that has been consistently used and known to those in regular contact with the animal;
- Clear and convincing evidence of regular contact and interaction with the owner appropriate for the species;
- A consistent showing of a positive emotional attachment to the animal;
- Service and/or assistance to a human with the day-to-day requirements of independent living;
- and/or Activities and efforts that demonstrate a unique personal attachment to the animal.
For the purposes hereof, Pet shall not include animals used for the sole purpose of food, fiber, agriculture, biomedical production, research, teaching, or testing; or in a for-profit venture; wildlife as defined by any state or federal statute; or animals used in activities regulated by the federal Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 to 2159).
