While this Thanksgiving holiday is quite different for so many, one thing we can be thankful for is the human-animal bond. Pets have been a bright spot during the pandemic, and research conducted since the onset of the pandemic suggests that the human-animal bond is helping support the health and wellness of people and pets in important ways.   To help raise awareness of the benefits of pets during these difficult times, HABRI created the following shareable infographic. Please consider sharing this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and family. Giving thanks to our pets is more than a holiday tradition this year; it is a recognition of the growing importance of the human-animal bond. However you celebrate this year, HABRI wishes everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday. References 1.    APPA Pulse Survey Volume 1 2.    Survey Research conducted by Phyllis Erdman, College of Education, Washington State University, and a team of collaborators from Colorado State University, the University of San Francisco and Palo Alto University 3.    McNicholas, June. “The role of pets in the lives of older...

With the help of our supporters and partners, HABRI was able to continue to advance scientific research and share the message of the importance of the human-animal bond throughout this tumultuous year. We felt like it was important to compile our ‘year in review’ and reflect on all that we were able to accomplish together in 2020, and to express our gratitude to the leading companies and organizations that make HABRI’s efforts possible.   The following is a brief overview of HABRI’s programs, initiatives and important milestones reached in the past year:   Supporting Scientific Research on the Human-Animal Bond  5 New Research Projects Funded in 2020  In 2020, HABRI funded five innovative research projects exploring the benefits of the human-animal bond for child health and development, healthy aging, mental health and wellness and chronic health conditions.  Canine-assisted anxiety reduction in pediatric emergency care (CANINE III) (Indiana University)   Can interaction with a therapy dog as an adjunct to a child life specialist reduce anxiety in children in the emergency room (ED)?  Anxiety, stress and “threat perceptions” are major negative...

It’s back to school season, and whether children are returning to the classroom in-person or virtually, research suggests that pets can facilitate engaged learning and promote good behavior. Please consider sharing this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and families to raise awareness of all the benefits of integrating a pet into a lesson plan with children of any age!

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...

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...