While 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism[1], this developmental disability is still misunderstood, leading to disparities in health, education, and economic opportunity for people living with autism[2]. For this reason, more research is needed to empower all neurodiverse people to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life. Early diagnoses of and interventions for autism are more likely to have long-term positive effects on symptoms and later skills[3]. Research strongly indicates that the human-animal bond can benefit children with autism. Between 2016 and 2020, research on animal-assisted interventions (AAI) for people with autism has more than doubled[4]. HABRI is proud to contribute to the growing field of research investigating the benefits of companion animals for individuals with autism. The following is a summary of the HABRI-funded scientific research focused on f people living on the autism spectrum: Animal-Assisted Social Skills Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders This study evaluated the effectiveness of an animal-assisted social skills training group for youth living with autism. It was hypothesized that incorporating dogs into social skills training...

Mental health is important for all of us. Research demonstrates how interactions with pets can play an important role in stress management, social support, exercise, and the development of good coping skills – essential strategies for maintaining good mental health. In celebration of Mental Health Month this May, HABRI and Mental Health America are working to raise awareness of the science that shows how the human-animal bond can support healthy habits that boost our mental health. Please consider sharing this infographic on your social media channels, websites and with your colleagues, friends and families to raise awareness of how pets can improve mental health and wellbeing. Click to Download

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...

June 21st-25th is Take Your Pet to Work Week, the perfect time to consider pet-friendly workplace policies aimed at meeting the needs of pet owning employees. Those fortunate enough to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic found comfort in working alongside their companion animals. As people return to work, they are now worried about leaving their pets behind[1]. Supporting a pet-friendly workplace environment is a great way to meet the needs of these employees while also boosting your competitive edge. Research shows that employers that embrace pet-friendly workplace policies can attract and retain top talent. How COVID-19 Changed the Landscape for Pets in the Workplace The COVID-19 pandemic brought pets and people closer together. Millions of people welcomed new pets into their families and turned to their pets for support during the pandemic. According to a “COVID-19 Pulse Study” conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 11.38 million households have gotten a new pet during the pandemic, including over one in six members of the youngest generation, Gen Z. The human-animal bond is stronger than ever, and people overwhelmingly reported that they felt even...

Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that begins early in life and affects how a person acts and interacts with others, communicates, and learns. Individuals with Autism may be challenged by social communication and repetitive behaviors, and anxiety. Autism is a highly individualized developmental disability, and everyone with autism experiences it differently, which is why autism is known as a spectrum disorder. Approximately 1 in 44 children has been identified with Autism[1]. For Autism Awareness Month, HABRI is highlighting the special ways that dogs can benefit people with Autism. A growing body of research demonstrates that interaction with dogs can positively impact individuals with Autism, particularly for improved communication, mental health, and classroom learning. Dogs Help Develop Communication Skills Research shows children with autism who have a pet dog or service dog perform better in social situations, including expressing more assertiveness[2], and exhibiting increased prosocial behaviors like sharing and empathy[3]. Both parents and children included in this research report that children feel strongly bonded to the dog[4]. HABRI-funded research...

It’s Take Your Pet to Work Week! Research shows that pet-friendly workplaces boost employee satisfaction, productivity and collaboration. Pet-friendly companies are also better able to attract, engage and retain employees. This is true even if pets aren’t physically permitted in the office every day. HABRI has compiled the following ways employers can demonstrate they are pet-friendly that go beyond allowing pets at work. Take Your Pet to Work Week is the perfect opportunity to raise these conversations with your employees, co-workers, and supervisors. These policies and best practices can help provide inspiration and guidance for how organizations can become pet inclusive.