Nature’s Variety Supports Human-Animal Bond Research

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and IDEXX today hosted a virtual lecture highlighting a HABRI-funded research project investigating the benefits of engaging in a dog training program for young people aged 10-17. This lecture is a part of the IDEXX Human-Animal Bond Lecture Series, which explores impactful scientific research on the health benefits of the human-animal bond and the importance of veterinary medicine in strengthening human-animal bonds. The lecture, titled “The Impact of a Dog Training Program on the Physical Activity, Quality of Life, and Social Wellbeing of Adolescents”, featured a discussion led by Oregon State University professors Dr. Megan MacDonald, Ph.D, and Dr. Monique Udell, Ph.D, on their study examining a Do as I Do (“DAID”) dog training program, which emphasizes an active partnership between dog and owner by demonstrating a particular behavior for the dog to repeat. The study aims to assess whether youth who undergo the DAID dog training program will experience an improved child-dog bond, increased mutual physical activity as well as higher feelings of responsibility, quality of life and social wellbeing. Partial findings indicate that dogs show great potential to learn when trained by adolescents. “HABRI was proud to host Dr. MacDonald and Dr. Udell as they shared details about their research which addresses the potential of the human-animal bond to support adolescent wellbeing, a group at high risk for physical inactivity, anxiety and depression,” said HABRI President Steven Feldman. “HABRI is grateful to IDEXX for sponsoring this lecture, helping connect veterinarians with the health benefits of the human-animal bond for the entire family.” Veterinary professionals who viewed this session live will be eligible to receive RACE-approved Continuing Education (CE) credit through the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). The lecture will remain available on-demand at http://www.habri.org/HAB-Lectures....

(December 21, 2018) – A group of nonprofit and for-profit organizations lauded the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the Farm Bill) after advocating for legislation to better protect domestic violence survivors by establishing the critical importance of protecting their pets, too. With the inclusion of key elements of the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 909, S.322) in the Farm Bill, Congress took an essential step in removing a roadblock to the safety of these survivors with pets. “Thanks to bipartisan passage of the PAWS Act by Congress, more domestic violence shelters will allow survivors of abuse to heal with the love and support of their beloved pets,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, President of Purina. “This is an important milestone in the coalition’s collective efforts to create safer communities for pets and pet owners, and Purina will remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping pets and people together, particularly during times of crisis.” This provision of the Farm Bill establishes grants for domestic violence shelters to carry out programs to provide emergency and transitional shelter and housing assistance or short-term shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with pets, service animals, emotional support animals, or horses. Grants awarded may also be used for programs that provide support services designed to enable someone fleeing domestic violence to locate and secure safe housing with their pet, safe accommodations for their pet, or related services such as transportation and other assistance. The PAWS Act Coalition would like to thank the original co-sponsors of the Pet and Women Safety Act for their leadership and commitment to its passage, especially the lead sponsors Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA-5), Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) and Senator Dean Heller (R-NV). The Coalition is also particularly grateful for Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) for spearheading the effort to pass the bill by including...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) today announced that Petzey, a leading on-demand mobile pet telehealth and wellness app, has become an official supporter of HABRI and its scientific research on the symbiotic relationship between people and companion animals. This collaboration is poised to advance scientific study and educate the public on this valuable relationship. “Joining forces with HABRI aligns seamlessly with Petzey’s vision of revolutionizing pet care through our comprehensive virtual network of veterinary professionals,” stated Mike Ortega, CEO of Petzey. “We’re not just committed to transforming the way we care for our pets; we’re dedicated to fostering joy and wellbeing. This partnership amplifies our commitment to supporting the family unit as a whole, recognizing that pets are an integral part of our lives and emotional health. Together with HABRI, we’re excited to embark on this journey, reinforcing the human-animal bond.” HABRI research has found a strong correlation between knowledge of the science of the human-animal bond and positive action when it comes to pet care. Pet owners across the board are increasingly aware of the health benefits of owning a pet. As a result, they feel an increased sense of commitment and are more inclined to take extra steps that benefit their pet’s overall well-being. HABRI survey research also shows an increasing usage and interest in veterinary telemedicine, with 22% of pet owners saying that they had had a virtual appointment and 30% saying they intended to use veterinary telemedicine in the future.[1] “HABRI is grateful for the support of Petzey, a company with a clear mission to keep our pets healthy and the human-animal bond strong,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. Through this synergistic partnership, Petzey and HABRI will elevate the importance of pet-centric healthcare innovation while advocating for the recognition of the emotional, psychological, and...