The Pet Effect
Did you know pets can improve socialization among those with autism?
Learn more about The Pet Effect here.
Featured Partner
At HABRI, we’re working to gather and fund the science that proves companion animals are good for our health. With solid science, we can make sure that more people get the help they need – animals that help support heart health; prevent depression; and address the symptoms of PTSD, autism and more.
Are you among the many people who believe that animals, especially our pets, are good for our health? We need your help!
There are so many ways you can help support HABRI and promote the human-animal bond:
Donate
The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is a non-profit research and education organization that needs your donations to support its work.
Donate today to help us advance the scientific research and promote the health benefits of the human-animal bond.
Do you represent an organization that is interested in supporting HABRI?
Learn more about how your organization can work with HABRI to advance scientific research on the power of the human-animal bond
Jackie King
Executive Director
American Veterinary Distributors Association
Members of the American Veterinary Distributors Association (AVDA) work every day to preserve the human-animal bond by distributing high-quality products that keep animals healthy. By supporting HABRI, AVDA’s members can proudly say that they are committed to establishing the vital role of our pets to the health of individuals, families and communities.
Become an Advocate
We want as many people, families and communities to benefit from the health benefits that pets provide. Here are some things you can do to make that happen:
SUPPORT PET-FRIENDLY POLICIES
If we can make it easier to own a pet, more people will enjoy the health benefits they provide. From laws and regulations that allow service dogs in public establishments to funding for more dog parks to allowing pets in the workplace, there are many ways to make our communities more pet friendly.
Peer-reviewed research now demonstrates that pet ownership belongs in the same wellness category as diet and exercise – evidence that clearly supports policy action as a matter of public health. Yet, there is no comprehensive public policy in place to support the health benefits of the human-animal bond.
HABRI needs your help to change public policy and ensure as many people as possible enjoy the health benefits that companion animals provide.
Kathy Mitchell
Senior Director, Government Affairs
PetSmart
As the Senior Director of Government Affairs at PetSmart, I know firsthand about the importance of building relationships with elected officials to advance policy goals. When we talk with lawmakers about how we support the great work that HABRI is doing, it demonstrates that we are a company that truly cares about people and their pets. Most of all, when we share the solid science that shows how beneficial pets are to our health and wellbeing, it sparks a meaningful conversation about how government can support pet ownership and make society more pet friendly.
Here’s how you can take action to support HABRI’s public policy initiatives:
WRITE TO YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS URGING THEM TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND LEGISLATION
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Support H.R. 3103 – Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Act
HABRI urges passage of H.R. 3103, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Act, which “directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a grant program under which the Secretary shall make grants to private entities for the provision of service dogs to eligible veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and for other purposes.”
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Need help getting started? Download sample letter language here:
Sign the Pet Partners Petition to Encourage Your Lawmakers to Co-Sponsor the PAWS Act.
Don’t know your Representatives? Find them here:
To learn more, read HABRI’s Public Policy Call to Action for the Human-Animal Bond
ASK YOUR DOCTOR
We know that there are big benefits when we bring pets into the conversation about our health. Ninety-seven percent of doctors already believe there are health benefits to pets, but the biggest barrier to discussing this subject with patients is that doctors do not have enough time. Please discuss the benefits of the human-animal bond with your doctors and encourage them to talk with all of their patients about the health benefits of pets.
VISIT YOUR VETERINARIAN
If we take good care of our pets, they will take good care of us! To promote good health at both ends of the leash, make sure you visit your veterinarian regularly. We also know that the folks at the animal hospital like to discuss the human-animal bond.
STAY INFORMED
Sign up for the HABRI Weekly Newsletter to receive the latest news and information about the human-animal bond.
Connect with us on social media:
Visit the HABRI Pressroom to read about HABRI in the news.
HELPFUL LINKS
Looking for tips and pointers on how to be a more responsible, knowledgeable pet owner? Want to learn more about pet nutrition, pet therapy or pet-proofing your home? You’ve come to the right place. Visit the HABRI Helpful Links page for resources on these topics and more!
