Nationwide Becomes Human-Animal Bond Certified Company

The Pet Effect

Did you know pets can improve your cardiovascular health?

Learn more about The Pet Effect here.

Washington, D.C. (March 4, 2020) — The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), joint founders of the Human-Animal Bond Certification program, announced today that Nationwide, the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the U.S., has become a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company.

“Nationwide has earned this meaningful recognition through its significant commitment to human-animal bond research, education, and professional development,” said Steven Feldman, HABRI Executive Director. “Being a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company recognizes that Nationwide is strengthening the human-animal bond as a core part of its mission.”

As part of the certification process, all Nationwide pet associates will complete human-animal bond training, learning about the science behind the human-animal bond and gaining a deeper understanding of how this science supports pet health and the practice of veterinary medicine. The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviors considered essential to the health and well-being of both.

“Becoming Human-Animal Bond certified is an honor and a process that we are committed to in every interaction we have with pets and their families. We know the more we learn, the more we can protect them,” said Heidi Sirota, Nationwide’s Chief Pet Officer.

Launched in 2018, the NAVC Human-Animal Bond Certification prepares veterinarians and animal care staff to recognize and promote the importance of the bond between pets and their families. The program evaluates the science, communication, community engagement, animal welfare and wellness, and medical care needed to create and maintain a positive human-animal bond.

“The Human-Animal Bond Certification gives veterinarians and all those who support them additional tools and training to further understand and safeguard this bond,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill. “The NAVC is committed to expanding the benefits of the human-animal bond to as many health care professionals as possible. We are proud to bestow Nationwide with the Human-Animal Bond Certified Company designation, and we thank them for their commitment to this important education initiative.”

The leading role of Nationwide is evidenced by their commitment to education and support of the Human-Animal Bond Certification program. More than a thousand professionals have signed up for this certification, which offers 22 hours of Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) -approved continuing education credit.

Important for their certification, Nationwide has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the human-animal bond by making sizeable investments in independent research on the benefits of companion animals for those such as people with autism, veterans with PTSD and people with cancer diagnoses. The work also researches the benefits of animals in assisting children and adults on the autistic spectrum.

Nationwide’s support for the human-animal bond and the role of pets in society is further demonstrated by their groundbreaking research on pet-inclusive workplaces. In partnership with HABRI, Nationwide has shown how pets and pet-friendly benefits, including pet health insurance, are increasingly important to the millennial workforce, enhancing employee wellbeing, as well as company recruitment, retention, engagement and presenteeism.

“Nationwide is committed to protecting our members’ pets through our direct relationships with pet owners and through our veterinary partners. That is why we are so proud to support human-animal bond research,” said Dr. Jules Benson, Nationwide’s associate vice president of Veterinary Relations. “Understanding and sharing the science of the human-animal bond helps all of us as individuals, families and communities.”

To learn more about the Human-Animal Bond Certification and to find out how you or your clinic can become certified, please visit NAVC.com/HAB.

About NAVC

Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, with offices in Orlando, Florida, the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is a non-profit organization providing world-class professional development to the global veterinary healthcare community. Its largest event, VMX, hosts thousands of veterinary professionals each year. Other offerings include VetFolio, an online CE platform in conjunction with LifeLearn; the NAVC Institute; the Veterinary Innovation Council; an Industry Services Division; and its Media Division, consisting of: Today’s Veterinary Business, Today’s Veterinary Nurse, Today’s Veterinary Practice, Veterinary Advantage and an online news and lifestyle channel, Spark! In 2018, the NAVC launched its Certifications division including the Human-Animal Bond Certification and added the Veterinary Business Leader Certification and the Pet Nutrition Coach Certification in 2019. Visit NAVC.com for more details.

About HABRI

HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that maintains the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; funds innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; and informs the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit www.habri.org.

About Nationwide pet insurance

With more than 800,000 insured pets, Nationwide is the first and largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States. Nationwide pet health insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2018); National Casualty Company (all other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2018). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. Pet owners can find Nationwide pet insurance on Facebook or follow on Twitter. For more information about Nationwide pet insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the United States. Nationwide is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. An industry leader in driving customer-focused innovation, Nationwide provides a full range of insurance and financial services products including auto, business, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact

Jamie Baxter

jamie@theimpetusagency.com

775.322.4022

###

Press Releases

Feeling stressed? Pets help people cope during isolation

As millions of Americans practice social distancing and home isolation to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, the nation’s pets are there to help. Scientific studies show that human-animal interaction can reduce stress and loneliness and improve overall mental and physical health. The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), supported by Nationwide, has funded and gathered scientific research that shows how companion animals can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promote healthy activity and provide a boost to the cardiovascular system. Research also shows that pets are also a part of the solution to social isolation and loneliness, a growing public health epidemic even before the coronavirus pandemic. A national survey of pet owners and non-pet owners by HABRI and Mars Petcare found that:  85% of respondents agree interaction with pets can help reduce loneliness  76% agree human-pet interactions can help address social isolation  72% believe human-animal interaction is good for their community  “The human-animal bond can help lower stress, and the routine of caring for a pet can provide feelings of security and normalcy for improved mental health,” said Steven Feldman, HABRI Executive Director. “Pet owners are also more likely to achieve recommended levels of daily exercise and have lower blood pressure, contributing to better physical health.”  “Nationwide is focused on supporting pet owners and strengthening the human-animal bond,” said Dr. Jules Benson, Nationwide’s associate vice president of veterinary relations. “HABRI research helps to reinforce the message that having a pet can be a huge benefit during this crisis.”  HABRI and the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) recently certified Nationwide as a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company, a designation bestowed for its commitment to strengthening the human-animal bond through research, education, professional...

Press Releases

HABRI and Lap of Love Partner to Promote the Power of the Human-Animal Bond During End-of-Life Care for Pets

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) is proud to announce a new partnership with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a nationwide veterinary practice dedicated to providing in-home hospice and euthanasia care for pets. Together, HABRI and Lap of Love will work to increase awareness and understanding of the healing power of the human-animal bond, particularly during a pet’s end-of-life journey. Lap of Love is honored to partner with HABRI to expand education to support the human-animal bond in all stages of life. “The human-animal bond doesn’t diminish in a pet’s final moments; it grows even stronger. By joining forces with HABRI, we’re committed to enhancing the understanding of this bond and providing pet owners with the compassionate care they deserve during life’s most tender goodbyes,” said Dr. Mary Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice. Through this collaboration, HABRI, Lap of Love, and the Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA) will support educational initiatives and promote research on the positive impact of compassionate pet care at life’s end. “It’s important for us to find ways to protect the bond during end-of-life appointments, in particular during the sensitive act of euthanasia,” Dr. Kathleen Cooney, Research Director for CAETA shares. By combining HABRI’s expertise in human-animal bond research with Lap of Love and CAETA’s commitment to pet-centered end-of-life care, this partnership aims to enhance both the emotional support for pet owners and the quality of life for pets during end-of-life transitions. “Pet owners want more assistance and less anxiety when it comes to planning for euthanasia,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. “We are honored to partner with Lap of Love to deepen our understanding of how the human-animal bond can help bring comfort and healing to those facing pet loss.”

Press Releases

Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) Shareable Infographic: The Top Benefits of Pet Ownership for Healthy Hearts

In recognition of Heart Health Month, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has created a new shareable infographic, “The Top Benefits of Pet Ownership for Healthy Hearts”. The infographic highlights research supporting the positive role of pets in improving cardiovascular health. “Scientific research shows a link between pet ownership and improved heart health, including a lower risk of heart diseases and heart-related health issues,” said HABRI President Steven Feldman. “HABRI’s goal is to raise awareness of the important role of human-animal bond for healthier hearts during Heart Health Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health.” This infographic is part of an ongoing series to share human-animal bond research. In June, HABRI shared “Can Pets Help You Live Longer?“. In November, HABRI issued “5 ways the Human-Animal Bond is Improving Lives During the Pandemic”.

The Pet Effect

Featured Partner