Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)

Veterinary front office staff are often the first point of contact for pet owners and play a pivotal role in shaping the client experience. HABRI is excited to partner with IDEXX to deliver a new webinar featuring Debbie Boone,BS, CVPM, co-founder of a new association, North American Association of Veterinary Receptionists (NAAVR), focused on the importance of veterinary front office teams and how they can recognize the human-animal bond, build trust, and create a more welcoming and compassionate environment for their clients and practices. This new Human-Animal Bond Lecture is now available on-demand on the IDEXX Learning Center as RACE-approved Continuing Education. Anyone can sign up for a free account and watch on the ILC here: https://lnkd.in/euWrvFPr  Those with an existing account can enroll at: https://lnkd.in/eUdEucsN

HABRI is proud to announce a new partnership with Ancestry, maker of the Know Your Pet DNA test, to advance scientific research on the bond between people and pets. Partnering with Ancestry will allow us to further explore how the human-animal bond affect both humans and pets in meaningful ways and provide new insights into how we can strengthen this connection. Read more about our new partnership: https://lnkd.in/e5fm9zX8

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence shelters provide a safe space to recover from trauma, but only 19% currently have onsite pet programs, which presents a significant barrier for many survivors seeking help. HABRI is proud to fund research on the experiences of survivors of domestic violence who own pets and support policies that empower shelters to act to increase the availability of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters in the U.S.  The 25 by 2025 campaign’s goal is to get 25% of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. pet-friendly by 2025. It’s a project by RedRover, in partnership with PetSmart Charities and Greater Good Charities, with support from Purina. Learn more about how you can get involved from dvm360®:

A new study supported by Waltham Petcare Science Institute, published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, is among the first to find evidence that interacting with dogs can boost oxytocin levels in children.  Oxytocin, which you might have heard called “the love hormone”, is associated with positive emotions, stress reduction, and feelings of bonding.  This new research strengthens the existing evidence that shows how dogs can play a positive role in child social and emotional development and highlights the importance of continued human-animal interaction research. Read more from Waltham:  https://lnkd.in/eYmApXNA 

🚨 Donations needed! HABRI's Pet Giving Network requests supplies from pet care companies and organizations for communities and pets affected by Hurricanes Helene & Milton. For a list of supplies needed and to learn more about how you can help hurricane disaster relief efforts, visit: https://lnkd.in/d5aa7m-p Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) & Greater Good Charities

As needs continue to shift and evolve in the Southeast, Greater Good Charities has issued an update to the list of requested items to donate in support of those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton: 200 collar and leash sets 1,000 collapsible food bowls 50 dog houses 50 outdoor dog kennels 300 nitrile gloves (SM/MD) 300 litter pans 300 litter scoops Should you be able to provide any of these critical items, Greater Good Charities kindly requests the following information: 1. Quantity available 2. Fair market value 3. Ship from origin Contact jennifergerdon@greatergood.org for more information or to coordinate a donation, and visit https://lnkd.in/d5aa7m-p to learn more about the Pet Giving Network and sign up to receive timely action alerts to ensure pets in need receive the care they deserve.

Today is World Mental Health Day, recognized internationally as an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and the options available for people to support their mental health.  HABRI is proud to support research that explores the connection between pet ownership and improved mental health. As this evidence grows, we no longer see pets as “just nice to have”, and instead recognize their role in supporting us, encouraging healthy habits, and connecting us to community.  Read more on the mental health benefits of pets from HABRI President Steve Feldman: https://lnkd.in/dZ2TjyFp

#PSA: HABRI and Greater Good Charities have issued a Pet Giving Network Action Alert to all pet care companies that have supplies to donate in support of those affected by Hurricane Helene. The impending impact of Hurricane Milton only increases the need for support and supplies. Greater Good Charities was on the ground before Hurricane Helene hit Florida, ready with supplies to assist impacted communities. In the aftermath, they’ve responded swiftly to the destruction and urgent needs across the Southeast, which are greater than anyone expected. The following pet products are highly requested; and we appreciate your donation to provide this relief: https://lnkd.in/d5aa7m-p

HABRI is excited to issue its 2025 request for research proposals (RFP) to investigate the health outcomes of pet ownership and/or animal-assisted interventions (AAI). HABRI is interested in funding innovative studies that expand our knowledge of the human-animal bond and provide evidence for new policies and programs that support people, pets, and the communities where they live. Proposals should have a strong theoretical framework and focus on innovative approaches to studying the positive effects of companion animals on human health. Please share this funding opportunity with anyone you know who is interested in conducting human-animal bond research! The deadline to apply for the 2025 RFP is Thursday, February 13th, 2025, at 11:59 ET. You can access guidelines on how to construct a proposal, submission instructions, and frequently asked questions on the HABRI website here: https://lnkd.in/e78_ZhA9 

We can all be good neighbors and work together to protect pets in our communities! Petco Love is helping raise awareness of how we can all help lost pets find their way back home with a new animated short, “My Ruff Day: Pawparazzi”, about how a lost cat finds her way back home with the help of a good neighbor and Petco Love Lost. Watch below: