Entries by Betsy Thibaut-Stephenson

The Comprehensive Work That Keeps America’s Food Safe

Food safety is a shared responsibility that starts with food producers and includes processors, shippers, retailers, and ultimately consumers. Along every step of this safety system, the U.S. government plays an important role by establishing standards, overseeing their enforcement, and using science to anticipate and address food safety challenges. In fact, no other businesses have […]

How Pets Can Impact Your Immune System

Researchers have consistently demonstrated the health benefits of pets. But did you know that some studies connect pet ownership to improved immunity? Read more in Psychology Today.

Staying Focused on the Fight Against Rabies

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened global awareness of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that move between animals and humans. Developing and administering vaccines to slow the spread of these diseases is a public health priority. Some illnesses, like rabies, already have effective vaccines, and we are well on our way to eliminating this deadly infection. […]

Winners of the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest Announced

Animal lovers in Washington, D.C. tuned into a video announcement of the winners of the 12th annual Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill Contest.  The announcement was hosted virtually to continue the tradition of celebrating the pets of Capitol Hill, an especially important event during the pandemic, when our relationships with companion animals has taken on […]

Who Will Win?

All pets are winners, but only a select few have the distinction of being the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill. Voting has closed for this year’s contest, but please tune in to learn the winners on Thursday, September 10 at 5:00 Eastern time during the Pet Week virtual announcement.

Dog Lovers Connect and Find Pup-Approved Love

If you’re looking for someone who loves dogs just as much as you, look no further than the new dog-lover dating app, Dig. The app, created by sisters Leigh and Casey Isaacson, was created for people who “live a dog-forward lifestyle” and want to romantically connect with someone of a similar mindset. Read more at People.com […]

Bark it up! It’s International Dog Day!

Where would we be without our dogs? Dog owners know that every day is dog day, but August 26 is International Dog Day, so take a moment to celebrate Fido and his furry friends. Read more about the importance of pets in our lives here.

Pandemic blues? Turns out, our pets have been waiting for this moment

As a child, Jen Currin-McCulloch noticed the effects of the human-animal bond while following her dad around his veterinary clinic. “I began to notice the strong bonds that humans had with their animals, and the roles that they played in their lives for companionship, comfort, and a sense of purpose,” she said. Continue reading to […]