LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — Animals play an important role in our lives, whether as companions, workers or a source of food and fiber.

Dr. Temple Grandin will be leading a slate of presenters at the Animals for Life Summit March 20. It will be at the NorthPointe Conference Center, 100 Green Meadows Drive South, in Lewis Center. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Sponsored by VPI, Nationwide, Merial, Farm Credit of Mid-America, American Dairy Assoc. and Nutrena Feeds, the summit was created by the Animals For Life Foundation and will feature open discussion about the human-animal bond.

The summit is geared for pet and animal enthusiasts, farmers, veterinarians, animal shelters employees, humane societies, pharmaceutical companies, students, professionals in animal care and members of the community interested in topics related to this bond.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear several industry leaders discuss the human-animal relationship. The Summit is touted to “build consumer trust around animal care and animal use issues” that impact animal professions involving food and agriculture, veterinary medicine, medical research, companionship and recreation.

Sessions will include “What is the Human-Animal Bond, Why It Matters and the Benefits of Animal Ownership,” Steve Dale; “How Animals Make Us Human” (keynote), Grandin; “Lifestyle and Social Trends That Impact Animal Use,” Dr. Candace Croney; “The Real Costs of Pet Ownership and Why Preventive Health Matters,” Dr. Tod Beckett DVM; “Animal Care and Use Issues,” a panel discussion with Grandin, Croney and Dr. Jeanette O’Quin, public health and clinical veterinarian, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University; and “The Human-Animal Bond at Its Best,” another panel discussion with Lesli Waller and Vinny the Therapy Dog, Tara Corrigan of the Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center and Jenny Barlos, Assistance Dogs of America.

Registration may be made online at http://aflsummit.eventbrite.com and is $89; the cost for students is $25.