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...

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

  Are you a veterinary professional in need of CE hours to close out the year? Do you want to find a way to connect with your clients and your purpose? There’s a way to do both, and it’s getting Human-Animal Bond Certified. For International Human-Animal Bond Day this November 8th, sign up and receive a discounted price of $129.00. Why get Human-Animal Bond Certified? Human-Animal Bond Certified is the only continuing education course solely dedicated to helping veterinary professionals learn and communicate the science of the human-animal bond. As keepers of the human-animal bond, there is no better authority to communicate the science supporting health benefits of the bond than veterinarians and their dedicated teams. The veterinary clinic is already the most important source of information on pet health, and it only takes a short conversation to also make them the key source of information on the human-animal bond. Why is this important? Research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) demonstrates that with increased knowledge of the science behind the human-animal bond, pet owners are more likely to invest time and resources in the health and wellness of...

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...

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...