New Research Confirms the Strong Bond Between People and Pets is a Global Phenomenon, 95% Worldwide Say Pets Are Family

The Pet Effect

Did you know pets can improve socialization among those with autism?

Learn more about The Pet Effect here.

Orlando, F.L. (January 16, 2022) — The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Zoetis announced today the results of a survey of 16,000 dog and cat owners and 1,200 veterinarians across eight countries and four continents. The research shows that the human-animal bond is strong, that pets positively impact their owners’ health, and that stronger bonds are connected to improved veterinary care around the world.

“When 95 percent of pet owners globally consider their pet a part of their family, and 98 percent reported that they have personally experienced health benefits from having a pet in their lives, we have documented more comprehensively than ever before that the human-animal bond is universal across countries and cultures,” said Dr. Mike McFarland, DVM, DABVP, Global Chief Medical Officer of Zoetis and Chair of the HABRI Board of Trustees.

Survey participants included dog and cat owners in eight countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Japan and China. Pet owner participants in the survey were the primary caregivers of their pets, and the samples were nationally representative by gender, age and region. In addition, 1,200 veterinarians across these same countries participated in this research.

Key findings show that the human-animal bond is universally valued and recognized among pet owners:

95% consider their pet a part of their family
92% say there’s no reason they would ever be convinced to give up their pet
90% say they have a close relationship with their pet
86% would pay whatever it takes if their pet needed extensive veterinary care
76% say they would make major life changes for their pet, if necessary

In addition, pet ownership is strongly linked to improved human health, with the vast majority of pet owners around the world having personally experienced health benefits from the human-animal bond. The findings show that:

87% have experienced the mental health and/or physical health benefits of the human-animal bond
Virtually all pet owners around the world (98%) reported at least one specific benefit to their health from their pets including increased happiness, reduced loneliness, and decreased stress

To more precisely measure the human-animal bond among pet owners, a new scale called the Human-Animal Bond Score (HABSCORE) was developed that expands on previous scientifically-validated scales. The HABSCORE examines the human-animal bond across four distinct dimensions: attachment, humanization, commitment, and integration. The total average HABSCORE is high at 57.9/70.0, indicating the human-animal bond is strong globally. The survey found no strong cultural differences in terms of how the bond is experienced and expressed. The researchers divided respondents into three HABSCORE tiers – Low (Less than 55), Mid (55-62), High (63 or more) – to look at how the relative strength of the bond can impact human and animal health.

“The strength of the human-animal bond in pet owners strongly correlated with higher rates of veterinary treatment for both preventive care and specific conditions,” said Steve Feldman, President of HABRI. “This is the strongest evidence to date showing the impact of the bond for veterinary medicine.”

Key Findings on Veterinary Care Include:

There is a clear correlation between the strength of the bond and better veterinary care for pets.

The stronger the bond, the higher number of annual vet visits. Global percentage of pet owners that visit the veterinarian two or more times per year:

71% – Higher Bond Tier
62% – Mid Bond Tier
45% – Lower Bond Tier

Highly bonded pet owners also are significantly more likely to report that they provide their pet with preventive care, when compared to pet owners in the lower third of the HABSCORE Scale, including:

Among Dog Owners

Flea/tick/worm preventatives (76%, +10%)
Vaccinations (78%, +12%)
Brushing Teeth (44%, +19%)
Diagnostic screening (26%, +14%)

Among Cat Owners

Flea/tick/worm preventatives (62%, +9%)
Vaccinations (63%, +15%)
Brushing Teeth (22%, +13%)
Diagnostic screening (23%, +14%)

Highly-bonded pet owners are most likely to have consulted a veterinarian for specific symptoms experienced by their pet, when compared to pet owners in the lower third of the HABSCORE Scale, including:

Among Dog Owners

Gum issues (82%, +18%)
Abnormal itching (77%, +19%)
Weight loss (68%, +17%)
Decreased appetite (68%, +12%)
Difficulty going up or down stairs (65%, +21%)

Among Cat Owners

Gum issues (84%, +25%)
Skin redness (78%, +31%)
Decreased appetite (71%, +17%)
Weight loss (70%, +19%)
Hair loss (64%, +27%)

Veterinarians believe in the importance of the human-animal bond for their practice and profession. Eighty-nine percent of veterinarians globally believe a strong human-animal bond increases pet welfare, and 95% credit the human-animal bond as the reason they entered (or joined) the profession.

Key results from veterinarians globally include:

81% of veterinarians are aware of the scientific evidence showing mutual health benefits from the human-animal bond
- 71% believe discussing the human-animal bond is valuable
- 43% talk to their clients about the science behind the human-animal bond
- 58% believe talking about the human-animal bond encourages clients to provide the best care for their pets
- 53% believe talking about the human-animal bond builds good relationships with their clients
- The majority of veterinarians would be interested in human-animal bond certification or CE. This is particularly high in China (99 percent), Brazil (98 percent), and Spain (86 percent)

“The pandemic has elevated the role of the human-animal bond in people’s lives, and our data shows this is being felt on a global scale, with incredible consequences that can benefit human and pet health worldwide,” Dr. McFarland added. “The direct correlation between the strength of the human-animal bond and better veterinary care means that veterinarians, by communicating and championing the human-animal bond, are critical to the effort and to improving health for both people and companion animals.”

The findings also show a clear correlation between knowledge of the science behind the human-animal bond and the desire to provide better care for pets. When asked about how greater knowledge of the science of the human-animal bond would impact their future behavior:

79% of pet owners would be more likely to maintain their pet’s health, including regular check-ups with their veterinarian
59% of pet owners said they would spend more money on their pet’s care
58% of pet owners say they are familiar with the science behind the human-animal bond
48% of pet owners would like to know more about the science behind the human-animal bond

“The findings are overwhelmingly clear that the human-animal bond has the potential to positively impact animal welfare and human health on a global scale,” added Feldman. “And HABRI clearly has a role to play in sharing the science of the human-animal bond with veterinarians and pet owners. We look forward to working with Zoetis and all of our partners to share this information with an international audience. Together, we can make a difference for people and pets worldwide.”

For more information, please visit www.habri.org/international-hab-survey

About the Survey

This study was commissioned in 2021 by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Zoetis and conducted by CM Research Ltd., to gain a deeper understanding of how the human-animal bond is perceived and impacts behavior among pet owners and veterinarians worldwide. 16,140 pet owners and 1,207 small animal veterinarians from eight countries participated in the study, conducted in 2021. All significance tests were done at a confidence level of 95% (p ≤ 0.05).

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) 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 about HABRI, visit www.habri.org.

About Zoetis

As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After nearly 70 years innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide — from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $6.7 billion in 2020 with approximately 11,300 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

###

Contact

Jamie Baxter

jamie@theimpetusagency.com

775.322.4022

Christina Lood

christina.lood@zoetis.com

973.822.7249

###

Press Releases

New Survey Shows Cat Owners with Cat Allergen Sensitivities Go to Extraordinary Lengths to Manage Cat Allergens

For the as many as 1 in 5 adults globally who are affected by cat allergen sensitivities, the daily effort to manage cat allergens and coexist with the cats they love can be a struggle. From excessive cleaning around the house to spending less time with the cat, there are no easy choices. Despite these daily struggles, cat owners are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their cats, going as far as ignoring doctor’s orders. If told by their doctor to give up their cat to help manage cat allergens, 84 percent of cat owners would dismiss the advice. Twenty percent even said they would keep the cat and get a new doctor, showing the need for better management methods. These statistics are from a new survey[1] of 2,000 U.S. cat owners from Purina Pro Plan, a leader in pet nutrition, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), which sought to understand the impact of cat allergens on cat-owning households. The survey confirmed that the bond that owners share with their cats is strong – a universal truth for all cat owners regardless of cat allergen sensitivities. Ninety percent of cat owners feel their cats are members of the family, and three in four owners say their relationship with their cat is important to and a core part of their health and well-being. But it’s not always easy for those with cat allergen sensitivities; 37 percent say they’ve had to change their lifestyle to accommodate their cat, significantly higher than those without sensitivities (22 percent). In an effort to help, Purina Pro Plan has introduced Pro Plan LiveClear, the first and only cat food that reduces the allergens in cat hair and dander. Backed by more than a decade of research, Pro Plan LiveClear is shown to safely and effectively reduce allergens in cat hair and dander in as little as three weeks of daily feeding. The key ingredient is a specific protein sourced from eggs. When cats eat LiveClear, the protein binds to the major cat allergen, Fel d 1, and...

Press Releases

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

In recognition of how pets are helping us during the pandemic and just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has created a new shareable infographic, “5 Ways the Human-Animal Bond is Improving Lives During the Pandemic”. The infographic highlights research showing the positive role of pets in providing companionship and relief from stress, anxiety and loneliness. “This is the time of year when many of us reflect on all of the things for which we are thankful. For pet owners, the human-animal bond is high on that list,” said HABRI Executive Director Steven Feldman, “HABRI’s goal is to raise awareness of the important role of human-animal bond, especially during difficult times.” This infographic is part of an ongoing series to share human-animal bond research. In October, HABRI released the “Top 5 Health Benefits of Cat Ownership” infographic. In June, HABRI shared “Can Pets Help You Live Longer?“.

Press Releases

Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Awards Grant for New Study to Examine Therapy Dog Impact on Pediatric Echocardiograms

The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) announced today it has awarded a $44,000 grant to Duke University School of Medicine’s Division of Pediatric Cardiology for a new research study titled Impact of Animal Assisted Therapy on Quality, Completeness, and Patient and Parental Satisfaction in Children Undergoing Clinical Echocardiography. This study will examine the influence of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) on young children undergoing an echocardiogram. It is hypothesized that children will have a more complete and higher quality echocardiogram in the presence of therapy dogs. In addition, parents are expected to report higher visit satisfaction scores and greater exam comfort for their children. “Echocardiography is an effective way to use ultrasound to ‘see’ inside the heart, and while taking the pictures is non-invasive, it can still be a scary procedure for young children,” said the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Piers C.A. Barker, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Duke University School of Medicine. “Typically, we must sedate children who have trouble holding still so that we can get adequate pictures. This study aims to evaluate whether animal-assisted therapy could serve as an effective alternative technique to comfort the children and put them at ease, potentially resulting in more complete echocardiograms, higher quality images, and avoidance of sedation drugs.” “We know from previous scientific research that animal-assisted therapy is effective in alleviating anxiety in hospital patients,” said co-investigator, Margaret Gruen, DVM, PhD, DACVB of Duke. “This is one of the first studies to focus on the potential of animal-assisted therapy to impact a clinical outcome. If results are successful, this study could potentially add non-pharmacologic, low-cost options to improve diagnostic quality for children having medical imaging procedures and could encourage broader use of therapy dogs in other pediatric cardiology settings.” The...

New Research Confirms the Strong Bond Between People and Pets is a Global Phenomenon, 95% Worldwide Say Pets Are Family

The Pet Effect

Featured Partner