New Research to Support Unhoused Youth with Pets

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) will fund a new study conducted by Indiana University-Bloomington’s School of Public Health researchers Drs. Alyce Fly, Ming Li, and Katharine Watson. The researchers aim to characterize the impact of pet ownership on the adult gut microbiota, which has been shown to influence the role of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. Fly, Li, and Watson hypothesize that differences in the gut microbiota of cat and dog owners relative to non-owners are associated with reduced CVD risk. “Studies have found that living with cats or dogs imparts health benefits associated with the gut microbiota of infants and children, such as a reduced risk of developing asthma and other immune-related diseases,” Principal Investigator Katharine Watson, MA BVMS, explains. “Studies have also shown that gut microbiota health is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, it is not known whether the gut microbiota of adult pet owners differs from non-owners. As pet ownership is associated with benefits to the gut microbiota of infants, it is probable that adults who live with pets may have similar benefits and that these may play a role in CVD risk reduction.” “HABRI is proud to support this novel research into the relationship between pet ownership, gut microbiota, and risk of developing cardiovascular disease,” HABRI Executive Director Steven Feldman notes. “Science tells us that pets can influence the physical and mental health of owners, and this project will explore an important aspect of the physiological underpinnings of the human-animal bond.” Drs. Alyce Fly and Ming Li will serve as co-investigators on the study which may help to determine whether living with a cat or dog is associated with a richer and more diverse adult gut microbiome and whether this, in turn, may mediate reduced prevalence of CVD. CVD is the leading cause of death and disability and the most common non-communicable disease...

The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced today that Regency, a leading national provider of pet aftercare services, has become an official supporter of HABRI and its research on the health benefits of companion animals. “Regency’s mission of compassion and respect for the human-animal bond aligns very strongly with HABRI and its mission,” said Scott Buttz, Chief Operating Officer at Regency. “Animals bring unconditional love into this world, and part of honoring their lives includes investing in the human-animal bond at every stage.” “When pet owners lose their beloved family members, their pets, Regency helps to make the process easier for all involved,” said Steven Feldman, Executive Director of HABRI. “Supporting pet owners and veterinarians at these difficult times is so important, which is why HABRI is proud to partner with Regency on research and education around this critical aspect of the human-animal bond.” Regency works directly with pet owners and partners with veterinarians to provide nationally recognized, individualized aftercare services to clients, recognizing the loss of a pet can be one of the most difficult experiences for families. The Regency Family is recognized as “partners of choice” in their local communities for adhering to a stringent code of ethics and industry standards. Scientific evidence increasingly shows that pets improve humans’ heart health; alleviate depression; increase well-being; support child health and educational development; and contribute to healthy aging. The benefits of the human-animal bond impact more than just human health. Findings from a HABRI survey of 2,000 pet owners demonstrate that knowledge of the scientific research supporting the health benefits of the human-animal bond motivates pet owners to take better care of their pets. Knowledge of the health benefits of pets also helps encourage pet ownership, as 81 percent of pet owners surveyed stated that they are more like...

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced today a grant to the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging for a new study, Uncovering Pet Ownership Benefits, Challenges, and Resources in an Aging Society: Promoting Healthy Aging in Healthcare and Community Environments. This study aims to identity pet ownership issues raised in healthcare and social service settings by older adults and their caregivers. “Addressing the topic of pet ownership can promote honest and productive communication, uncovering risks and benefits to patients’ health,” said the study’s Principal Investigator, Jessica Bibbo, PhD, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging. “We expect the results of this systematic investigation will elevate pet ownership issues from anecdotal professional experiences to recognized factors that shape the values and preferences of older adults, people living with dementia, and caregivers.” This study will survey a large interdisciplinary sample of professionals working with older adults, people living with dementia and caregivers about pet ownership. The researchers aim to complete three objectives as part of this comprehensive study: The first will be to identify the prevalence of pet ownership issues encountered among an extensive inter-professional sample of health care and social service organization professionals working directly with older adults and their caregivers. The second will be to identify specific benefits, challenges and resources provided by pet ownership and the human-animal bond encountered by professionals working with older adults and their caregivers. Finally, researchers will apply these results to create and disseminate information to health care and social service professionals on the benefits, challenges, and resources provided by pet ownership and the human-animal bond to promote the healthy aging of older adults and their caregivers. “The desire to experience the human-animal bond does not end with a diagnosis of dementia,”...