HAI Research Update from HABRI It has been a year of progress in the field of human-animal interaction (HAI) research. In 2019, HABRI funded five new research grants, increasing HABRI’s total to 31 competitively-awarded research projects and $3 million in total research funding. In addition, a number of studies published this year continued to build the evidence base connecting human-animal interaction and companion animal ownership to improved human health and well-being. As we enter the new year, we wanted to share the attached compilation of research publications from 2019, as well as a brief overview of the most recent HABRI grants. If you have any questions about any specific research projects, regardless of whether or not it is a HABRI-funded study, we encourage you to contact us. New HABRI-Funded Research Projects In 2019, HABRI funded a total of five new grant projects, summarized below. These new studies will examine the influence of pet ownership, animal-assisted therapy, service dogs, and dog-walking on various aspects of physical and mental health of children, adolescents and their families. With the funding of these five grants, HABRI has now funded a...

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!

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...

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...

To help us raise awareness of the health benefits of the human-animal bond with Spanish and Chinese speaking pet owners, we’ve translated the ‘Top 5 Benefits of the Human-Animal Bond’ infographic into Spanish and Mandarin! Download the English language infographic here. Download the Spanish language infographic here. Download the Mandarin Chinese 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: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */ 中文 – 五大益处 人与动物关 English...

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)...