A healthy heart is essential for good health at any age. Research suggests that pet ownership and human-animal interaction (HAI) can lead to improved heart health through supporting a healthy lifestyle, preventing heart disease, and facilitating healing following a cardiovascular event. To help raise awareness during Heart Health Month this February, HABRI created a new, shareable infographic on the powerful relationship between pet ownership and heart health. Please consider sharing this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and families in celebration of the many ways in which pets contribute to healthy hearts.

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...

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...

September is Happy, Healthy Cat Month. Founded by the CATalyst Council, this month is an opportunity to celebrate the roles of the feline companions in our lives and take action to improve their well-being. Scientific research demonstrates there are many health benefits of cat ownership for people of all ages. In honor and celebration of Happy, Healthy Cat Month, HABRI created this new infographic highlighting the health benefits of cat ownership. HABRI hopes that in sharing this far and wide, we can raise awareness of all cats can do to improve the lives of their owners and inspire more people to ensure their pet cats’ health needs are met. . Please consider posting this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and family to help us strengthen the human-cat bond! References Wegienka, G., Johnson, C. C., Havstad, S., Ownby, D. R., Nicholas, C., & Zoratti, E. M. (2011). Lifetime dog and cat exposure and dog‐and cat‐specific sensitization at age 18 years. Clinical & experimental allergy, 41(7), 979-986. Stokholm, J., Chawes, B. L., Vissing, N., Bønnelykke, K., & Bisgaard, H. (2018). Cat exposure in early life decreases...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) joins our partners at Mental Health America (MHA) in recognizing May as Mental Health Month. Together, we celebrate the role of pets in positively influencing our mental health. This year’s Mental Health Month theme is Look Around, Look Within, which reminds us that where we are born, live, learn, play, work, and congregate all influence our health, and that we all benefit from stable environments and strong communities. For nearly 70% of U.S. households  pets are part of the family and have a significant influence on our mental health. Eighty-Seven percent of pet owners have experienced mental health improvements resulting from pet ownership, and research has shown the benefits for the long-term management of mental health conditions. HABRI is proud to champion research on the vital role of the human-animal bond in the health and well-being of people, pets, and the communities where we live. In light of this year’s theme, we’ve compiled research and information that illustrates how pets can empower better mental health. Look Around: Pets and Community Well-Being Our surroundings say a lot about our mental health. A strong sense...

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...