New Study to Examine Social, Behavioral and Academic Effects of Pets in the Classroom

(Washington, D.C.) June 6, 2018 The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) have teamed up develop a handbook focused on helping senior center administrators incorporate pet-friendly programming and policies into their facilities. The handbook, Older Adults and Animal Programming, provides an overview of the scientific research that demonstrates the benefits of human-animal interaction, and a path forward for senior centers looking to develop or expand animal programming. HABRI and NISC first conducted a survey of senior center administrators from across the country to gauge interest in animal programming. A large majority of senior centers surveyed allowed animals in some way, with many senior centers expressing a strong desire for more pet-friendly programs and policies. Responses were received from 113 NISC-member senior center administrators from across America. Of the 28% of respondents that had a current therapy animal program, significant positive health benefits for participants were reported: Improved social interaction 71% Improved mental health 48% Increased physical activity 35% “Scientific research demonstrates the benefits of the human-animal bond for healthy aging – from reducing blood pressure to encouraging social interaction to reducing stress and depression,” said HABRI Executive Director, Steven Feldman. “With this handbook and through our strategic partnership with NCOA and NISC, we can increase opportunities for seniors to experience the healing power of the human-animal bond.” “Only 32% of the senior centers that responded to the survey reported having pet policies in place, so we feel the handbook is a timely and important opportunity to have conversations about the added value that pet programming can provide to the lives of seniors and staff alike,” said Maureen O’Leary, Program Manager for NISC. “We’re excited to provide this excellent...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and EveryCat Health Foundation today announced the results of a new study published in the open-access Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, “Exploratory Study of Fecal Cortisol, Weight, and Behavior as Measures of Stress and Welfare in Shelter Cats During Assimilation Into Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder”, providing preliminary evidence that temperament screened shelter cats adopted by families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) did not experience a significant increase in stress after adoption by their new families. “Benefits of companion animals in homes of families of children with autism have been identified, but little is known about the welfare of pets in these homes,” said Dr. Gretchen Carlisle, Research Scientist at the University of Missouri and Principal Investigator. “These results provide a starting point for future research exploring cat welfare, while also identifying a set of steps families can take to effectively mitigate stress in their new feline family members.” “HABRI is particularly proud to have supported the Feline Friends study, which has already demonstrated that temperament screened shelter cats can help families of children with ASD,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. “Results from this new publication focused on cat welfare are important to ensuring successful, long-lasting human-animal bonds.” “We know how meaningful companion animals are to those with ASD and are honored to have supported this groundbreaking research showing that cats can safely and healthily fill this role is truly a win for the cats and their people,” expressed Jackie Ott Jaakola, Executive Director of EveryCat Health Foundation. This exploratory study measured stress in temperament screened shelter cats adopted by families of children with ASD by using fecal cortisol, weight and a behavior stress measure. Findings suggest that the cats in the study acclimated...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Pet Advocacy Network co-hosted Pet Night on Capitol Hill for the first time since the pandemic began, celebrating the important role pets play in our lives. Pet Night brought together Members of Congress and leaders in the pet care community to share programs, policies, and key data about how the human-animal bond positively impacts our mental, physical and social health. “The pet care community is thrilled to be back in person to share the power of pets with Congress,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. “Pet Night on Capitol Hill shares the message that pets have a measurable impact on our health and well-being, and that there are tangible measures policymakers can take to support pets and their owners.” Plenty of pets were in attendance, including Pet Partners therapy animal-handler teams; Trumpet the Westminster Best in Show Winner, provided by Purina; and Biscuit, the Washington Capitals service dog in training, provided by Mars Petcare. “It was exciting to once again meet face-to-face with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for positive pet policies, then finish the day with a celebration of all that pets bring to our lives,” said Pet Advocacy Network President and CEO Mike Bober. “We are committed today and every day to helping all Americans find and care for their ideal companions and experience the incredible benefits of pet ownership and animal-assisted interactions.” The Animal Health Institute (AHI) honored the winners of the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest, now in its fourteenth year, recognizing the most adorable animals owned by Members of Congress and their staff. Cutest Dog: Louis Owner: Alyssa Gulick Office of Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-6)   Cutest Cat: Kit Owner: Jesse Ferguson Office of Rep. Mike Flood (NE-1)   Cutest Exotic: Charlie (horse) Owner: Gray Maxwell Office of Senator Ben Cardin (MD) “The human-animal bond keeps getting...