May is Mental Health Month. According to HABRI’s survey of pet owners, the majority of pet owners have personal experience with the health benefits of pets: 74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements from pet ownership 75% of pet owners reported a friend’s or family member’s mental health has improved from pet ownership The scientific research that supports the human-animal bond – or the mutually beneficial relationship between people and pets – for better mental health indicates that pets can make a difference for those facing mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, loneliness and stress. HABRI, in partnership with Mental Health America, has created this new infographic highlighting the mental health benefits of a healthy relationship with a pet. HABRI hopes that in sharing this far and wide throughout Mental Health Month, 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 support and relief from mental health conditions. Please consider posting this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and family to...

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. Since February is Heart Health Month, we’ve compiled the top scientific evidence on how the human-animal bond supports goo heart health.   Stress Reduction  High stress can contribute to many health issues associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Stress is also associated with behaviors that increase heart disease, such as physical inactivity and overeating. The CDC recognizes that especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, stress can run high, and stress management is essential to living a healthy life.  Scientific research has supported the concept that people experience less stress in the presence of pets. To measure the impact of companion animals on stress levels, many studies incorporate a transient stressor, such as having study participants perform a challenging arithmetic problem. A study of 120 married couples demonstrated that, in the presence of a...

With the passage of the PAWS Act, domestic violence survivors will soon have more resources needed to seek safe shelter for or with their beloved pets. HABRI is proud to announce that language from the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act has been included as part of the just-passed Farm Bill. This new law establishes a grant program to provide funding for domestic violence shelters for programs and services that help domestic violence survivors seeking safe shelter or transportation for or with their pets. Victims of domestic violence who own pets say they would not leave a dangerous situation unless they could also get their pets out of harm’s way. Yet, fewer than 3% of domestic violence shelters are equipped to accommodate pets. This Federal program will help increase the availability of shelters who can take-in or provide assistance for the pets of survivors. The passage of this legislation would not have been possible without the PAWS Act Coalition, and the many companies, organizations and individuals that support HABRI, who wrote letters to their Members of Congress, attended meetings, made phone calls, and provided grassroots support for this lifesaving bill. A pillar...

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...

April is Autism Awareness Month. Research demonstrates that the human-animal bond can confer many health benefits for children on the autism spectrum, and for their families too! Whether it is a trained service dog or a guinea pig, there is scientific evidence supporting the positive influence of human-animal interaction (HAI) on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More HABRI-funded research is underway, but here is a rundown of some of the things we know so far: Addressing Loneliness One of the most common characteristics of children on the autism spectrum is difficulty socializing with others and forming connections, and as a result, many children with ASD face social isolation and loneliness. Research suggests that a connection with a companion animal can both reduce loneliness and provide needed companionship in children with autism.[1] When researchers survey children who have strong human-animal bonds, the fundamentally nonjudgmental nature of pets and their unconditional love are often cited reasons for this meaningful companionship. Improving Social Behavior Pets can facilitate new social connections in children with ASD, as pets can often reduce barriers to initiating...

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...