Virtual Pet Week on Capitol Hill Brings People Together in Celebration of the Human-Animal Bond

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) today announced a new grant to research the impact of adopting small animals on pet owner wellbeing. This grant was awarded to a team of researchers led by Principal Investigator Professor Carri Westgarth, Chair in Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Liverpool. This project will use surveys with owners of small pets to examine changes to the owner’s mental and physical wellbeing after the adoption of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, and mice from a shelter. Researchers will also conduct in-depth interviews with owners of these types of pets, gaining further insight into the human-animal bond and the pet adoption process. “Current research is often focused on dog and cat ownership, and the evidence base regarding health impacts from owning small furry pets is less well developed,” said Carri Westgarth, the Principal Investigator of this study. “Our research will help uncover the impact of owning small furry pets and the experiences people have adopting them from shelters, which we hope will help shelters guide and support successful small pet adoptions.” This study has two parts. In part one, researchers will conduct in-depth, face-to-face interviews with 30 pet owners to examine perceptions and experiences of owning a small pet on owner wellbeing. In part two, researchers will conduct a longitudinal cohort study of 450 new pet owners, following up with participants at 1-month, 3-months, and 6-months after adoption from Woodgreen Pets Charity and other shelters. This will track how the human-animal bond develops over time and measure changes in owners’ psychological, social, and physical health. Researchers expect to find adoption of small shelter pets will lead to positive changes in health outcomes, which will be further enhanced in new pet owners. “Human-animal bond research should include all pet species,” said Steven Feldman, President, HABRI. “HABRI is proud to support research to...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) today issued a new report, The Role of Companion Animals for Improved Mental Health, focused on providing data, insights and best practices to move society towards more widespread awareness and implementation of policies and programs that elevate the role of pets for improved mental health. “By prioritizing research, fostering partnerships, advancing best practices, and advocating for pet-inclusive policies, we can unlock the full potential of the human-animal bond to improve mental health outcomes for everyone,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. The positive impact of the human-animal bond for mental well-being has been validated through decades of scientific research. Building on this foundation, the HABRI Spring Policy Forum sought to uncover the practical implications of these findings, examining successful programs, practices and resources that harness the human-animal bond for improved mental health outcomes. The Report provides a synopsis of the expert presentations made by professionals across a wide array of disciplines, including mental health, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), veterinary medicine, social work, housing and public policy. A key finding is that the lack of access to affordable, pet-friendly housing poses a significant barrier to pet ownership for many. During the Policy Forum, the Enforcement Division of Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, shared insights on how the agency plays a key role in implementing regulations related to service and assistance animals in public housing, ensuring that individuals with these animals are protected from discrimination. Important legislation, the People and Animals Wellbeing (PAW) Act, was presented by the bill’s lead sponsor, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), with the goal of keeping people and pets together by making veterinary care more affordable for pets and service...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced today that Nature’s Variety®, makers of natural, wholesome and delicious pet food has become an official supporter of HABRI and its research into the health benefits of the human-animal bond. “At Nature’s Variety, we believe in the power of pure, real nutrition to keep beloved pets healthy and happy. The human-animal bond is so central to our mission to give pets everything they need for a long and happy life with us,” said Reed Howlett, CEO of Nature’s Variety. “Supporting research into the human health benefits of pets is a perfect complement to our mission. We support better health for people and pets together.” Scientific evidence increasingly shows that pets improve heart health; alleviate depression; increase well-being; support child health and development; and contribute to healthy aging. In addition, companion animals can assist in the treatment of a broad range of conditions from post-traumatic stress to Alzheimer’s disease to autism spectrum disorder. The benefits of the human-animal bond impact more than just human health. Findings from a recent HABRI survey of 2,000 pet owners demonstrate that knowledge of the scientific research on the human-animal bond motivates pet owners to take better care of their pets. Specifically, when educated about the scientific research on the health benefits of pets, 88% of pet owners are more likely to provide their pets with high quality nutrition. “HABRI is thrilled to add Nature’s Variety as a HABRI supporter,” said Steven Feldman, Executive Director of HABRI. “By joining forces with HABRI, Nature’s Variety is demonstrating its leadership in the pet care community!” “From HABRI research, we know that healthy pets transform the lives of people through the human-animal bond – and Nature’s Variety transforms the lives of pets by empowering pet owners to provide their pets with natural nutrition,” added Howlett. “While HABRI does...