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

The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) Foundation today announced that, after an extensive nationwide search, Steven Feldman has been selected to lead the organization as its executive director. An experienced association executive and public policy advocate with more than 20 years in the field, Feldman has worked in many related areas including wildlife conservation, animal welfare, healthcare and education. “On behalf of all of our trustees and sponsors, we are thrilled to welcome Steven into the organization to help position HABRI for continued growth,” said Bob Vetere, president of HABRI. “Given his successful background in leadership and management in the public sector, along with his extensive knowledge and previous work in the zoo and aquarium industry, we are confident he will be a great asset in taking HABRI to the next level.” Feldman replaces Steve Hellem of Navista, who had been contracted by HABRI to oversee the organization since its launch nearly four years ago. “We truly thank Steve Hellem for all he has done to help HABRI get to where it is today,” said Vetere. “He has been a great asset and we look forward to growing HABRI on the solid foundation he has helped build with a full-time executive director.” Prior to joining HABRI, Feldman served as senior vice president for external affairs for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He also worked at Powell Tate, a leading public affairs firm, and as a staff member in the United States Senate. “It’s an honor to join HABRI because its mission is so critical to improving the lives of so many people,” said Feldman. “The Foundation has taken a leadership role in achieving more widespread recognition of the power of the human-animal bond to benefit the health of individuals and communities. I am grateful to the trustees and sponsors, and look forward to continuing the momentum they have created in advancing the research in this important area of health and science.” Since...

Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) Honors:   CancerCare Public Service Category Meals on Wheels America Public Service Category Sesame Workshop Media Category  Kimpton Hotels Pet-Inclusive Culture Category Tybee Island Police Department Pet-Inclusive Infrastructure Category   The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) today announced the winners of its annual Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, which recognize companies and organizations with innovative products and programs designed to advance the human-animal bond and create a more pet-friendly society. The 2024 Human Animal Bond Innovation Award winners are:   Public Service Category: CancerCare CancerCare’s Pet Assistance and Wellness (PAW) program helps people diagnosed with cancer stay together with their beloved pet by providing financial assistance for pet-related expenses, such as pet food, vet visits, pet sitting and boarding. The PAW Program was launched in 2020 and has given over 3,700 financial assistance grants to date.   Public Service Category: Meals on Wheels America Meals on Wheels bridges human services and animal welfare to ease the challenges of pet ownership and preserve the human-animal bond. What started as small programs providing ad hoc support has grown to be robust and multi-faceted programs encompassing an array of services, including pet food and supply deliveries, access to veterinary care, grooming, emergency boarding, and dog walking. The organization has also released national research findings to the public to raise awareness among new audiences about the prevalence of social isolation and the effectiveness of pet programs as a solution The Public Service category is sponsored by Zoetis.   Media Category: Sesame Workshop Sesame Workshop believes that children often have special relationships with animals. Whether it’s a family pet or a stuffed animal, furry friends can provide kids an avenue for learning new skills, while growing in self-confidence,...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare, with support from a broad Consortium of partners, today announced the publication of three papers in the open-access Journal Animals, part of a special issue focused on the role of companion animals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Social Isolation and the Roles That Animals Play in Supporting the Lives of Humans: Lessons for COVID19. The papers focus on the role of human-animal interaction (HAI) in helping to alleviate loneliness and social isolation during the pandemic. These papers were authored by working group members of the Consortium on Social Isolation and Companion Animals, established by HABRI and Mars Petcare in 2018. “These publications represent a critical aspect of our Consortium effort to explore the potential of companion animals to help address the epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, which has only grown more pressing since the pandemic began,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. “As these papers highlight, the human-animal bond has served as a key source of emotional and social support for so many over the last year-and-a-half, underscoring the importance of future research investigating this impact.” “Social isolation and loneliness are immense societal challenges, affecting people in many ways, which require different interventions and treatment approaches,” said Rena Crumplen, Global Vice-President of Research and Development, Mars Petcare. “These publications represent an important scientific milestone in bridging research and practice – helping bring evidence-based solutions to those affected by social isolation and making the case for multidisciplinary efforts to further the field of HAI more broadly.” The paper led by Dr. Dawn Carr, Department of Sociology, Florida State University analyzed longitudinal survey data obtained from a Florida community-based sample of adults aged 60+ in September 2018 and October 2020. Researchers set out to test the association...