From History to Advocacy: Our Annual Trip to Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. remains one of Ron’s favorite destinations—where you truly feel like you’re walking in the steps of history. The city’s grand scale is breathtaking, from the massive Treasury Department to the surprisingly largest building in D.C.—the Department of Agriculture. During past extended stays, Ron even obtained a Library of Congress card to explore the incredible resources housed just across from his lodging.

Each year, Ron and Wendy return to D.C. not as lobbyists, but as advocates—meeting with legislators to share their experiences as small business owners of Petland Iowa City. They describe it as a uniquely American privilege to sit down with representatives and provide “the real deal” about life and work in their community. Lawmakers, they note, genuinely want to hear from constituents.

Advocating for Canine Care and Consumer Choice

The heart of their visit is simple: tell the story of Petland Iowa City and its commitment to responsible pet ownership. Ron and Wendy emphasize their mission of matching customers with the right breed while maintaining the highest standards of care and compliance. Petland Iowa City proudly upholds Canine Care Certification through Purdue University, ensuring their breeders meet rigorous, science-based welfare standards.

Over the past two decades, breeder facilities have been transformed—today resembling high-end spaces with warmth, comfort, and enrichment for dogs. Ron and Wendy’s vision has always been to eliminate puppy mills and continue raising the bar for breeder excellence. Every Petland Iowa City puppy is microchipped and registered in a national database as part of their ongoing pledge to quality and accountability.

Supporting Bipartisan Legislation

During their recent trip, Ron and Wendy championed three bipartisan legislative priorities:

1. Healthy Dog Importation Act – Requires all puppies imported into the U.S. to be vaccinated, vet-checked, and transported humanely, addressing the growing issue of unregulated, unhealthy imports.
   

2. Rural Veterinarian Access – Supports veterinarians in remote areas, ensuring pets in rural communities receive necessary care.
   

3. Pet Health HSA/FSA Inclusion – Proposes allowing pet health expenses to qualify for tax benefits through Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, helping pet owners make better use of funds that often go unused.
   

   Some of these bills already have support from Iowa legislators and are advancing through Congress.

   
   

   
   

   Why Advocacy Matters

   Every trip reminds us how important it is to speak up — not just for our business, but for our industry, our pets, and our customers.

   Petland Iowa City remains committed to transparency, education, and the highest standards of animal care. We’re proud to be part of positive change — helping legislators understand what responsible pet care truly looks like.

   Our annual Washington D.C. visit is more than just a business trip; it’s a reaffirmation of our belief in community, collaboration, and civic responsibility.

   Petland Iowa City: 1851 Lower Muscatine Road, Iowa City.

   Visit petlandiacity.com or call 319-351-9451