Virtual Lecture: The Importance of the Human-Animal Bond for Veterinarians

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Pet Advocacy Network co-hosted Pet Night on Capitol Hill for the first time since the pandemic began, celebrating the important role pets play in our lives. Pet Night brought together Members of Congress and leaders in the pet care community to share programs, policies, and key data about how the human-animal bond positively impacts our mental, physical and social health. “The pet care community is thrilled to be back in person to share the power of pets with Congress,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. “Pet Night on Capitol Hill shares the message that pets have a measurable impact on our health and well-being, and that there are tangible measures policymakers can take to support pets and their owners.” Plenty of pets were in attendance, including Pet Partners therapy animal-handler teams; Trumpet the Westminster Best in Show Winner, provided by Purina; and Biscuit, the Washington Capitals service dog in training, provided by Mars Petcare. “It was exciting to once again meet face-to-face with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for positive pet policies, then finish the day with a celebration of all that pets bring to our lives,” said Pet Advocacy Network President and CEO Mike Bober. “We are committed today and every day to helping all Americans find and care for their ideal companions and experience the incredible benefits of pet ownership and animal-assisted interactions.” The Animal Health Institute (AHI) honored the winners of the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest, now in its fourteenth year, recognizing the most adorable animals owned by Members of Congress and their staff. Cutest Dog: Louis Owner: Alyssa Gulick Office of Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-6)   Cutest Cat: Kit Owner: Jesse Ferguson Office of Rep. Mike Flood (NE-1)   Cutest Exotic: Charlie (horse) Owner: Gray Maxwell Office of Senator Ben Cardin (MD) “The human-animal bond keeps getting...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced today that IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. has become an official supporter of HABRI and its research on the human health benefits of companion animals. “IDEXX is proud to support HABRI and its mission to advance human-animal bond research,” said Jonathan Ayers, Chairman and CEO of IDEXX Laboratories. “IDEXX is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of pets and people alike by bringing to market the most advanced diagnostics and software in veterinary medicine. When we provide high quality care for pets, human health also benefits.” “IDEXX is an innovative leader in pet health,” said Steven Feldman, Executive Director of HABRI. “By supporting HABRI, IDEXX is demonstrating its dedication to the human-animal bond and to keeping pets and people healthy together.” Scientific evidence increasingly shows that pets improve heart health; alleviate depression; increase well-being; support child health and development; and contribute to healthy aging. In addition, companion animals can assist in the treatment of a broad range of conditions from post-traumatic stress to Alzheimer’s disease to autism spectrum disorder. The benefits of the human-animal bond impact more than just human health. Findings from a recent HABRI survey of 2,000 pet owners demonstrate that knowledge of the scientific research on the human-animal bond motivates pet owners to take better care of their pets. From providing pets with higher quality nutrition to more frequent visits to the veterinarian, spreading awareness of the health benefits of pet ownership improves pet health and welfare.

The PAWS Act Coalition, a group of nonprofit and for-profit organizations committed to better protecting survivors of domestic violence by establishing, validating and promoting the criticality of protecting their pets, too, is informing the domestic violence shelter community of the recent announcement of the Fiscal Year 2021 U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program. “With the opening of the 2021 grant applications, we encourage domestic violence shelters around the country to apply for funding to become pet-friendly facilities,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. FY 2021 grants will 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 an abuser to locate and secure safe housing with their pet, safe accommodations for their pet, or related services such as transportation and other assistance. The $2.5 million appropriated for 2021 represents a $500,000 increase in funding following the success of the FY 2020 Emergency Transitional Pet Shelter Housing and Assistance Grant Program. The program awarded approximately $2 million to six organizations in six states to support transitional housing services for survivors of domestic violence and their companion animals. Grants have enabled shelters to expand housing and supportive service resources for domestic violence survivors, provide assistance including rent, pet deposits, and pet supplies to those seeking transitional housing with their pet, and more. “The first round of the PAWS Act Grant Program funding in 2020 came at a critical time to aid survivors of domestic violence seeking safe shelter and healing with their pets across the nation,” said...