Turn Your Office Into A ‘Woofice’

A group of nonprofit and for-profit organizations have joined forces to better protect domestic violence survivors by establishing, validating and promoting the criticality of protecting their pets, too. This coalition is urging passage of the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act (H.R. 909, S.322), a bill that is adamant about removing a roadblock that is essential to the safety of these survivors with pets, enabling them to live healthy, safe lives, together. Organizations in the coalition include: Nestle Purina PetCare Bayer Corporation Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) Noah’s Animal House Pet Partners Urban Resource Institute Two of these organizations, Noah’s Animal House and Urban Resource Institute are just a couple of the only 3% of domestic violence shelters across the country who are working to keep both pets and their owners away from the dangers of domestic abuse. Together these two incredible organizations have saved more than 1,500 pets from abusive conditions, so that no domestic violence survivor is forced to choose between staying in an abusive relationship and leaving their pet with their abuser. “Up to 65% of domestic violence victims remain in abusive homes out of fear for their pet’s safety, and even more women residing in domestic violence shelters reported that a pet was harmed by their abuser,” said URI President and CEO Nathaniel Fields. “Through the Urban Resource Institute’s innovative People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program, domestic violence survivors in New York City are able to find safe harbor with their pets in one of our dedicated shelters. PALS is the largest and only model of its kind in New York State, and this new coalition will help extend that life-saving, pet-inclusive approach to domestic violence shelters across America.” Did you know? Up to 65% of domestic violence victims remain in abusive situations out of fear for their pets’ safety[i]. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 4,774,000...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) today announced the initiation of five new research projects focused on the positive effects of human-animal interaction on human health. These new scientific studies will focus on important areas of human-animal interaction research, including child health, healthy aging, cardiovascular health, and chronic disease management.   “This new group of projects will provide further evidence for the health benefits of the human-animal bond,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. “For example, HABRI is funding the first study to examine the role of pet ownership on gut microbiota and risk of cardiovascular disease.”  The following five research projects were awarded HABRI funding:  Jeffrey Kline, MD (Indiana University): Canine-assisted anxiety reduction in pediatric emergency care (CANINE III)  Katharine M Watson, BVMS (Indiana University): The influence of pet ownership on gut microbiota composition and cardiovascular disease risk among 50 to 85-year old United States adults  Kevin Morris, PhD (University of Denver): Exploring the impacts of animal-assisted interventions on positive youth development for adolescents in residential treatment  Jessica Bibbo, PhD (Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging): Uncovering Pet Ownership Benefits, Challenges, and Resources in an Aging Society: Promoting Healthy Aging in Healthcare and Community Environments  B. Rhett Rigby, PhD (Texas Woman’s University): How does 8 weeks of equine-assisted therapy affect older adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?  The CANINE III study will focus on the efficacy and impact of therapy animal interaction, and was made possible through Pet Partners, which continues to commit special funding for research into the health benefits of animal-assisted therapy.  “This robust pipeline of innovative research is made possible through the support leading pet care companies and organizations who...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions LLC (“MetLife Pet”), one of the world’s leading financial services companies, today announced a collaboration to advance their shared goal of strengthening the human-animal bond through research, education and advocacy. “At MetLife Pet Insurance, we are focused on ensuring all pet parents’ have access to veterinary resources so they can confidently care for their pets and that that our four-legged family members receive the care they need,” said Brian Jorgensen, CEO of MetLife Pet Insurance. “We are committed to protecting and supporting the relationship between people and their pets, which is in complete alignment with the mission of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute.” Scientific research demonstrates that having pets in our lives can lead to better physical and mental health for people of all ages. Importantly, the more pet owners learn about scientific research on the benefits of the human-animal bond, the more likely they are to take positive action including better pet care and more regular veterinary visits. MetLife Pet will join with HABRI to fund impactful research that documents the positive benefits of companion animals for human health and advocate for policy solutions that support pet owners and help increase access to veterinary care. “MetLife Pet Insurance not only recognizes the importance of the pets in our lives, they are also working to preserve the bond for countless families around the country,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. “By collaborating with HABRI, MetLife Pet Insurance is taking their support for the human-animal bond to the next level by working together to create a more pet-friendly society.”