Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) Shareable Infographic: 5 Ways the Human-Animal Bond is Improving Lives During the Pandemic

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.”

The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) Foundation, today released the results of a first-of-its-kind survey detailing the views of family physician on the benefits of pets to human health. “Doctors and their patients really understand the human health benefits of pets, and they are putting that understanding into practice” said HABRI Executive Director Steven Feldman. “The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative funds research on the evidence-based health benefits on humananimal interaction, and this survey demonstrates that we are on the right track.” HABRI partnered with Cohen Research Group to conduct an online panel survey of 1,000 family doctors and general practitioners. This is the largest survey of its kind to explore doctors’ knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding the human health benefits of pets. The 28-question survey was conducted in late August 2014 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1%. The physicians in the survey had a median of 18 years of practice experience. Among the survey’s key findings: Most doctors have successfully worked with animals in medicine. 69% have worked with them in a hospital, medical center, or medical practice to assist patient therapy or treatment. They report interactions with animals improve patients’ physical condition (88%), mental health condition (97%), mood or outlook (98%), and relationships with staff (76%). Doctors overwhelmingly believe there are health benefits to owning pets. 97% reported that they believe there were health benefits that resulted from owning a pet. The majority of doctors have recommended a pet to a patient. 60% of doctors interviewed have recommended getting a pet to a patient. 43% recommended the pet to improve overall health and 17% made the recommendation for a specific condition. Most doctors have seen their patients’ health improve as a result of pet ownership. 75% of physicians said they saw one or more of their patients overall health...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and IDEXX today hosted a virtual lecture during Autism Awareness Month, focusing on new research demonstrating the impact of shelter cat adoption on the social skills and anxiety levels in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This lecture titled, “The Impact of Shelter Cat Adoption in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”, features Dr. Gretchen Carlisle, Research Scientist, Research Center for Human Animal Interaction (ReCHAI), University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, discussing her HABRI-funded publication, “Exploratory study of cat adoption in families of children with autism: Impact on children’s social skills and anxiety”, which found that found introduction of a shelter cat into the home may have a positive impact on children with ASD and their parents. Results from Dr. Carlisle’s project were published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing in December 2020. This was the first randomized controlled trial of adoption of a temperament-screened shelter cat by families of children with ASD. This exploratory study found that introduction of a cat into the home may have a positive impact on children with ASD, including greater Empathy and less Separation Anxiety for children with ASD, along with fewer problem behaviors including Externalizing, Bullying and Hyperactivity/Inattention. The children and their parents reported close bonds with their new cats almost immediately after adoption, and despite the cat caretaking responsibility, these bonds did not decrease over time. “These research results show that children with autism and their families can benefit from the calmer, quieter demeanor of a pet cat,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. “HABRI and IDEXX hope that together, we can help raise awareness of the health benefits of pet cats and help more cats find loving homes.” Professionals who viewed this session live are eligible to receive RACE-approved...