Newly Published Study Shows Young Children with Pet Dogs Benefit from Greater Physical Activity and Reduced Screen Time

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) Pet Giving Network has issued a call for critical supplies in support of the Hurricane Helene & Hurricane Milton disaster relief efforts. The Pet Giving Network Action Alert requests supplies from pet care companies and organizations that are in critical demand in the affected communities.   “Pets are family, and in times of crisis, they need our help as much as people do,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. “HABRI is proud to manage the Pet Giving Network, a lifeline providing communities with vital resources to care for animals and their owners in need and is grateful for the American Pet Products Association (APPA), World Pet Association (WPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA) and their members for a strong and longstanding commitment to this important effort.”  “The American Pet Products Association is dedicated to supporting the Pet Giving Network and to helping unite our membership and respond to disasters in the most efficient and effective way,” said Julia Fidenzio-Alicea, Chief Legal Officer, American Pet Products Association (APPA).   With active natural disasters, the Pet Giving Network is stepping up to ensure that pets across the country receive the critical support they need during emergencies. The Pet Giving Network is a collaboration between HABRI and Greater Good Charities, a non-profit organization that works to provide in-kind supplies, donations and programmatic support to those in need. The Pet Giving Network connects pet product companies, non-profit organizations, and shelters to provide essential supplies, such as food, bedding, and medical care, to animals affected by natural disasters.  When hurricanes, floods, and wildfires strike, animal shelters can quickly become overwhelmed, leaving vulnerable pets in urgent need. The Pet Giving Network bridges the gap by facilitating donations from companies in the pet care community and distributing...

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...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Pet Food Institute (PFI) and the Pet Advocacy Network co-hosted Pet Night on Capitol Hill yesterday, paying special tribute to the important role of service animals for our nation’s disabled veterans, and celebrating the positive impact of pets in America. Pet Night on Capitol Hill brought together Members of Congress, congressional staff, and leaders in the pet care community to share programs and policies that protect human and animal well-being. “Pet Night on Capitol Hill is more than just an evening spent with some incredible pets—it’s a chance to convey to Congress the vital message that policies and programs keeping people and pets together promote better health and well-being for all,” said Vic Mason, President of the World Pet Association (WPA) and presenting sponsor of Pet Night. “HABRI is proud to co-host Pet Night on Capitol Hill, a night dedicated to honoring the human-animal bond and its positive impact on the well-being of individuals, families and communities, including our nation’s veterans who rely on the healing support of service dogs,” said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. At the event, attendees interacted with Pet Partners therapy animals, show cats provided by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, and adoptable puppies from Petco Love. Veterans and their service dogs were recognized during the Ceremony for their service to our country, and the National Service Dog Memorial displayed a replica of the resin casting of “Sully”, President George H.W. Bush’s Service dog by Susan Bahary, which will be placed in the permanent collection of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station, TX. The Animal Health Institute (AHI) honored the winners of the Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest, now in its sixteenth year, recognizing the most adorable animals belonging to Members of Congress and their staff.   Cutest Dog: Palmer Owner: Joe Ballard Office...