One Health

Each year on One Health Day (November 3), we celebrate the vital connections between people, animals, and the environment. It's a reminder that our health and well-being are deeply intertwined-what affects one affects us all.

Yet, pets are often left out of the One Health equation. For many families, pets are not just companions-they're family members. When pets are excluded from health and social systems, the impact can ripple through the entire household. People may delay their own healthcare because they can't find safe pet care, remain in unsafe living situations to avoid leaving their animals behind, or even share their limited meals with their pets to ensure they don't go hungry.

Recognizing pets as part of the family is key to creating truly equitable and effective health systems. On this One Health Day, let's expand our definition of "health for all" to include every member of the family-human and animal alike.

Each year on One Health Day (November 3), we celebrate the vital connections between people, animals, and the environment. It's a reminder that our health and well-being are deeply intertwined-what affects one affects us all.

Yet, pets are often left out of the One Health equation. For many families, pets are not just companions-they're family members. When pets are excluded from health and social systems, the impact can ripple through the entire household. People may delay their own healthcare because they can't find safe pet care, remain in unsafe living situations to avoid leaving their animals behind, or even share their limited meals with their pets to ensure they don't go hungry.

Recognizing pets as part of the family is key to creating truly equitable and effective health systems. On this One Health Day, let's expand our definition of "health for all" to include every member of the family-human and animal alike.