This blog was published in partnership with Mental Health America (MHA) and can be viewed on the MHA website here. Pets have been a bright spot in people’s lives throughout the pandemic, providing unconditional love and support. Approximately 11 million U.S. households brought home a new pet during the pandemic[1], and pet owners have overwhelmingly reported that they could not have made it through the toughest parts of the lockdowns and quarantines without them. Now more than ever, people need resources and support to improve and maintain good mental health. The good news is that the human-animal bond – our mutually beneficial relationship with our pets – can support better mental health for people of all ages, in good times and in bad. With Mental Health America’s Tools 2 Thrive topics in mind, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has compiled scientific research and information on the many ways that pets can help improve mental health, resilience, and empower us to thrive. Adapting after trauma and stress Research shows that the emotional[2] and social[3] support pets provide helps buffer stress, promote resilience, and recover from adverse circumstances. Studies...

This blog post was first published as an opinion by Steven Feldman in CQ Roll Call. View the original page here. Capitol Police officers pet a therapy dog near the House carriage entrance in July. We’ve gone from seeing pets as just “fun” to recognizing their help in addressing mental health, medical conditions and social connection, Feldman writes. (Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call file photo) Many Americans have come to appreciate the power of the human-animal bond through meaningful personal experiences with their pets over the past year and half. The comfort and companionship pets have provided during the pandemic is supported by solid scientific research demonstrating that pets improve our health and well-being. Now is the time to rely on that research and envision policies and programs that recognize pet ownership as a public health strategy. We’ve progressed from a sense that pets are just “fun” to recognizing that pets support positive changes in mental health, address significant medical conditions and promote social connection. Studies even show that pets have the power to lower the cost of health care and strengthen the social fabric of towns...

Every pet owner has a special bond with their animal. From going on walks to spending time on the couch together, there are so many ways the human-animal bond is shared and experienced. Many pet owners[1] believe that regularly giving treats to their pets plays a big role in strengthening the human-animal bond. The simple yet meaningful interaction of treating – giving pets special snacks or rewards – enhances the bond between cat and dog owners and their pets. Research shows that cat and dog owners feed their pet treats to show love to their pet, make them happy, and strengthen the bond[2]. It brings pet owners joy to know that treats make their pets happy[3]. There is more to treating than showing love. The right treats can also support the benefits of a pet’s existing nutritional plan[4] and can serve as positive reinforcement during training sessions[5].  According to a Royal Canin survey of pet owners, treating can be used as a functional benefit for managing pet behavior. Training represents a shared activity and is great way to engage with your pet, improve desired pet behavior and strengthen the human-animal bond[6]. Social, cognitive and physical enrichment is beneficial...

September is Happy, Healthy Cat Month. Founded by the CATalyst Council, this month is an opportunity to celebrate the roles of pet cats and take action to improve their well-being. One in four American households includes a pet cat, with many having more than one. In fact, more than 40 million households house upwards of 90 million cats, according to the APPA Pet Owner’s Survey.   Scientific research shows that cat ownership can improve both mental and physical health in their owners. Survey research also suggests that when people are made aware of the scientific health benefits of pets, they are more likely to take better care of their pets, such as keeping up with veterinary visits and providing their pets with better nutrition.   To recognize Happy, Healthy Cat Month, HABRI created a shareable infographic highlighting the scientifically-documented benefits of cats to our health and wellness. Below are some examples of how the human-cat bond has been shown to benefit human health. Please share the infographic to be an advocate for happy, healthy cats!  Physical Health  Cat ownership can benefit the physical health of people of all ages. Evidence suggests...

National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is an opportunity is raise awareness for the importance of making sure pet cats receive proper veterinary care. Cats make wonderful companions, and science shows that cat ownership can provide comfort and social support, improve heart health and resiliency and even help children with Autism. Cats may be more independent compared to some of their canine counterparts, but they need regular veterinary care all the same.   According to a report from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), while about 79 percent of dog owners scheduled annual preventative care in 2016, only about 47 percent of cat owners did the same. Additional research shows that 21 percent of cat owners said they take their cat to the vet only after it already showing signs of illness, and as many as half of all cat owners said taking their cat to the vet is not important, contrary to the advice of veterinarians.   Booking a trip to the veterinarian – especially if you have questions about the process – can be stressful, for both you and your cat. The good news is that there are many resources from the pet care community on how to help...

Results from this HABRI-funded study conducted by researchers at Purdue University are among the first to demonstrate the benefits of psychiatric service dogs for military veterans with PTSD. Please consider sharing this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and families to raise awareness of the many ways in which the human-animal bond can make a positive difference in the lives of people with PTSD.