During natural disasters, when many turn to their pets for comfort and support, it is also important to recognize that pets are themselves incredibly vulnerable. Resources allocated to helping pets threatened by disasters are often scarce. When pets are in danger so are their owners, which is why it is so important for the pet care community to be organized and ready to provide help. The Pet Giving Network is made possible through a partnership with the Greater Good Charities, and has made a real difference in times of crisis. In 2017, dozens of pet care companies rallied together to provide food, supplies and medicine to rescue organizations, evacuation facilities and pet owners in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. This immense effort demonstrated the pet care community’s ability to unite and work together on important issues that affect the health and well-being of companion animals, people and communities. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is honored to take on the task of managing the Pet Giving Network. We are especially grateful for the World Pet Association (WPA), American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA)...

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...

In the context of the last two challenging years, it has become abundantly clear how essential pets are in our lives. Not only are pet owners spending more time with their pets, but they are also reporting their pets are making positive contributions to their mental health. In fact, a recent survey shows that 87% of pet owners say they have experienced mental health improvements resulting from pet ownership. Sixty-four percent of pet owners have had a conversation with someone in the last year about the health benefits of owning a pet, including discussions with co-workers, friends and family. Twenty-two percent of pet owners, more than one-in-five, have had a pet recommended for their health by a doctor or therapist, indicating that pets are increasingly acknowledged by mental health professionals as important sources of social and emotional support. In support of Mental Health America and its important work to support good mental health for all Americans, the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has compiled data and information to demonstrate how pets support healthy habits and boost our mental health and wellness. Exercise It’s no secret that incorporating regular exercise...

June 21st-25th is Take Your Pet to Work Week, the perfect time to consider pet-friendly workplace policies aimed at meeting the needs of pet owning employees. Those fortunate enough to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic found comfort in working alongside their companion animals. As people return to work, they are now worried about leaving their pets behind[1]. Supporting a pet-friendly workplace environment is a great way to meet the needs of these employees while also boosting your competitive edge. Research shows that employers that embrace pet-friendly workplace policies can attract and retain top talent. How COVID-19 Changed the Landscape for Pets in the Workplace The COVID-19 pandemic brought pets and people closer together. Millions of people welcomed new pets into their families and turned to their pets for support during the pandemic. According to a “COVID-19 Pulse Study” conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 11.38 million households have gotten a new pet during the pandemic, including over one in six members of the youngest generation, Gen Z. The human-animal bond is stronger than ever, and people overwhelmingly reported that they felt even...

While 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism[1], this developmental disability is still misunderstood, leading to disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity for people living with autism[2]. For this reason, more research is needed to empower all neurodiverse people to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life. Early diagnoses of and interventions for autism are more likely to have long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills[3]. Research strongly indicates that the human-animal bond can benefit children with autism. Between 2016 and 2020, research on animal-assisted interventions (AAI) for people with autism has more than doubled[4]. HABRI is proud to contribute to the growing field of research investigating the benefits of companion animals for individuals with autism. The following is a summary of the HABRI-funded scientific research focused on f people living on the autism spectrum: Animal-Assisted Social Skills Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders This study evaluated the effectiveness of an animal-assisted social skills training group for youth living with autism. It was hypothesized that incorporating dogs into social skills training...

May is Mental Health Month. One in five Americans will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, and one in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness. Today, people are facing a mental health crisis brought on by the pandemic, from the difficulties of being quarantined at home to experiencing job loss and economic uncertainty. In the face of these challenges, it is clear that pets can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing. Scientific research has found that human-animal interaction (HAI) can help reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness. The Physiology of the Human-Animal Bond HAI has been shown to influence blood pressure, heart rate, and hormones correlated with well-being including oxytocin, b-endorphin, prolactin, phenylacetic acid and dopamine, all of which play a role in regulating mental health. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide long known to promote maternal care in mammals. Oxytocin causes many physiological changes, including slowing heart rate and breathing, lowering blood pressure, inhibiting stress hormones, and creating a sense of calm. Research demonstrates that human-animal interaction increases oxytocin levels in the brain.[1] Beyond...