DENVER ~ Denver - Governor Jared Polis signed a new bill today that recognizes the important role animals play in the health of Coloradans. The bill, HB26-1229, also known as "Supporting the Human-Animal Bond," was sponsored by Representatives Rick Taggart and Lisa Feret, as well as Senators Judy Amabile and Janice Rich.

The bill allows the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) to consider the human-animal bond as a social determinant of health. This means that the bond between humans and their pets will now be taken into account when making decisions about public health policies and interventions.

During the signing ceremony, Governor Polis expressed his support for the bill, stating, "Pets are our best friends and family. This bipartisan bill officially recognizes the way pets improve our lives and celebrates the positive health benefits of our furry friends."

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First Gentleman Marlon Reis also spoke about the importance of this legislation, saying, "Many of us know firsthand the love and joy that pets bring to our lives, and this is a positive step to recognize the importance of the human-animal bond on our health."

The bill has received praise from various organizations, including AlignCare Health Inc., whose Executive Director Anna Stout stated, "Colorado has long been a pioneer in how we treat and care for pets, and now is leading the country in formally recognizing their role in keeping us healthy and well."

Research has shown that spending time with pets can have numerous benefits for human health, such as increasing physical activity levels and reducing feelings of loneliness. By acknowledging these benefits through legislation, Colorado is setting an example for other states to follow in promoting stronger human-animal bonds for healthier communities.

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