Members of Congress put politics aside on to show their support for shelter pets at this year’s Paws for Love, our annual Valentine’s Day adoption event in Washington, D.C. The event, which was held on Tuesday, February 14, and co-hosted by the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus (CAPC), highlights pet adoption and the important role of shelters and rescues.

During Paws for Love, legislators and their staff were treated to cuddles from over 30 adorable, adoptable cats and dogs who were on site from five D.C.-area rescues—and they got the chance to see firsthand just how critical sheltering services are for homeless animals.

Twenty members of Congress were in attendance, including CAPC co-Chairs Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Vern Buchanan, along with special guests (and animal advocates) former Kansas Senator Bob Dole and former North Carolina Senator and U.S. cabinet secretary Elizabeth Dole. Rep. Blumenauer spoke to the crowd, calling attention to the role pet adoption plays in saving lives and urging his colleagues to join him in the Caucus.

Formed in 2009, the bipartisan CAPC raises awareness of animal welfare issues and helps the passage of animal-friendly federal laws. Rep. Buchanan joins Rep. Blumenauer this year as co-Chair, and has been a leading champion on animal welfare legislation, including the SAFE Act (H.R. 113). The two will work together with new and returning members to advance animal protection legislation in the 115th Congress.

Approximately 1,000 people made their way through the day’s event and at least seven deserving animals found new homes, with hopefully more to come as many people filled out adoption applications or took them home!

We thank the members of Congress and their staff who were able to join us. We offer special thanks to the rescues and shelters that joined us in Washington and those across the country that work every day to care for animals. We are also grateful to Reps. Blumenauer and Buchanan for their generosity in co-hosting this event, and their steadfast commitment to increasing protections for animals.

Is your member of Congress in the CAPC? If not, please urge them to join by visiting the ASPCA Advocacy Center now! Then check out the photos below to see U.S. lawmakers and their furry friends at Paws for Love.