Scene from The Woofice June 19-23 is National Take Your Pet to Work Week! An increasing number of people want to work in a pet-friendly environment, and employers are recognizing the importance of offering pet-oriented benefits to their employees. The presence of pets in the office has been shown to improve psychological well-being and life satisfaction among working adults[1], in addition to improving productivity[2] and cooperation[3] between employees. A study conducted by Nationwide in partnership with HABRI further reveals that pet-inclusive workplaces boost recruitment, increase engagement, improve presenteeism, and raise retention rates for employees. While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to welcoming pets in the workplace, introducing pets at work should involve thoughtful planning and a comprehensive framework. The pet care community is leading the way in implementing pet-friendly workplaces and offering guidelines and best practices to ensure pet-friendly policies work for everyone while protecting the health and well-being of all. While we love to celebrate Take Your Pet to Work Week, there are many ways employers can demonstrate that they care about pets, even...

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)...

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...

  Are you a veterinary professional in need of CE hours to close out the year? Do you want to find a way to connect with your clients and your purpose? There’s a way to do both, and it’s getting Human-Animal Bond Certified. For International Human-Animal Bond Day this November 8th, sign up and receive a discounted price of $129.00. Why get Human-Animal Bond Certified? Human-Animal Bond Certified is the only continuing education course solely dedicated to helping veterinary professionals learn and communicate the science of the human-animal bond. As keepers of the human-animal bond, there is no better authority to communicate the science supporting health benefits of the bond than veterinarians and their dedicated teams. The veterinary clinic is already the most important source of information on pet health, and it only takes a short conversation to also make them the key source of information on the human-animal bond. Why is this important? Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) demonstrates that with increased knowledge of the science behind the human-animal bond, pet owners are more likely to invest time and resources in the health and wellness of...

How can pets add years to our lives? A range of factors are widely considered determinants of longer life and healthy aging in people, from regular physical activity to social connectedness and so much more. Scientific research, including HABRI-funded research, has demonstrated that the human-animal bond can positively influence the emotional, psychological, and physical health and wellbeing of people, in ways such as increasing physical activity, lowering blood pressure, and improving social connectedness. Many such benefits contribute to a longer, healthier life. The following is a collection of research supporting the ways pet ownership contributes to longevity. Physical Activity Maintaining good physical health through regular exercise is a well-documented way to facilitate healthy aging. Moderate physical activity 2-3 times per week has been associated with a reduced risk of death by as much as 28 percent, according to longitudinal study of approximately 9,000 Swedish adults aged 60-96 years[1]. Research has shown that pet owners, particularly dog owners, are more likely to meet the recommended amount of physical activity through walking. One study that examined new dog owners...

Today is World Autism Awareness Day, and HABRI has created the following shareable infographic to raise awareness of the recently published HABRI-funded research, the Feline Friends study, which highlights the benefits of adoption of temperament-screened shelter cats for families of children with autism. Pets are common in families of children with autism, and previous research has demonstrated the benefits of interaction with dogs and small animals on individuals with autism, but little was known about cat ownership, until now. 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 the human-animal bond can make a positive difference in the lives of people with autism!