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...

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...

It’s Take Your Pet to Work Week! Research shows that pet-friendly workplaces boost employee satisfaction, productivity and collaboration. Pet-friendly companies are also better able to attract, engage and retain employees. This is true even if pets aren’t physically permitted in the office every day. HABRI has compiled the following ways employers can demonstrate they are pet-friendly that go beyond allowing pets at work. Take Your Pet to Work Week is the perfect opportunity to raise these conversations with your employees, co-workers, and supervisors. These policies and best practices can help provide inspiration and guidance for how organizations can become pet inclusive. 

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.

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...

As part of a campaign to raise awareness of the health benefits of the human-animal bond with pet owners from across the world, we’ve translated the ‘Top 5 Benefits of the Human-Animal Bond’ infographic into French and German!   Download the French language infographic here. Download the German language infographic here.   HABRI hopes that in sharing this far and wide, we can encourage people to take care of their pets and remind them that in good times and in bad, our companion animals can be wonderful sources of comfort, joy and support. Please consider posting this infographic on your social media channels, websites and share with your colleagues, friends and family to help us strengthen the human-animal bond for all!   #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 50%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ Français – 5 PRINCIPAUX BÉNÉFICES associés à la compagnie d’un animal Deutsch...