Pets can contribute to healthy aging and even longer life! Studies suggest that pets can positively influence factors that contribute to longevity, including reducing stress, facilitating resiliency against cardiovascular disease, and connecting us to a network of social support. To highlight this scientific evidence, HABRI has created a new infographic highlighting the ways pets can help us live longer. We hope that in sharing this information, we can raise awareness of the many ways in which pets improve our lives. While there is always more research that needs to be done, sharing what we know now can have a positive impact for people and pets. We know that pet owners are more likely to take better care of their pets when they learn how good their pets are for them –reinforcing the mutually-beneficial relationship that builds the human-animal bond. Please consider posting this infographic on your social media channels, websites and sharing it with your colleagues, friends and family. Thank you! References https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm Levine, G. N., Allen, K., Braun, L. T., Christian, H. E., Friedmann, E., Taubert, K. A., … & Lange, R. A. (2013). Pet ownership...

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...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Pet Partners are funding a new scientific research project, awarding $69,841 to Sharmaine Miller, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow currently conducting research at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, titled the “Minority Pet Owner Health (MPOH) Project.” The study will investigate whether pet ownership is associated with improved health outcomes of racial and ethnic minority pet owners. According to the research proposal, “People who are racial and ethnic minorities face heightened health, financial, and social adversities (e.g., racism and discrimination), and the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major player in exacerbating and highlighting these injustices. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of pet ownership on minority self-perceived physical and mental health.” “Pet Partners prides itself on creating more accessible programs so that we can deliver hope and healing to diverse communities across the country,” said Pet Partners President & CEO, C. Annie Peters. “We are proud to co-fund this innovative research, which will help address the issue of health equity and disparities by providing...

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...

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...

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...