HABRI Proves Animals Provide Amazing Health Benefits

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Human Animal Bond Research Initiative survey shows that 97% of doctors believe owning a pet benefits health

Whenever I come home after a bad day, my dog is my first point of contact. If I’m feeling depressed or anxious, she knows to put her head on my lap so I pet her, which always relieves my stress. Although she’s had no formal service dog training, she performs the job without even being asked. Service dogs and other pets have always piqued my interest as a professional dog trainer. The calming effects they can have on a person, and the health benefits they provide, makes me think everyone should own one.

Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) is a non-profit research organization whose mission is to use formal, scientific data to prove that pets are assets when it comes to the health of families and communities. It’s more than just guiding the blind these days; service pets provide a range of services to all sorts of disabilities. It has been proven that pets can help with mental conditions such depression, anxiety, autism, PTSD, agoraphobia and more.

Related:Science Says Your Dog Loves You

Partnering with Cohen Research Group for a recent study, HABRI determined that 97 percent of doctors believe that pets provide health benefits. They surveyed 1,000 family doctors and general practitioners and also concluded that 74 percent of them would actually prescribe an animal if the medical evidence agreed that it would improve overall health.

“Doctors and their patients really understand the human health benefits of pets, and they are putting that understanding into practice,” says HABRI Executive Director Steven Feldman. “The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative funds research on the evidence-based health benefits on human-animal interaction, and this survey demonstrates that we are on the right track.”

Related:Your Dog Wishes You Would Stop Talking And Start Petting

As part of its current research, HABRI has been focusing its energy on aiding children with autism. The organization released a survey performed by Marguerite O’Hare, a PhD candidate at the University at Queensland in Australia. The survey compared the results of using a toy versus a guinea pig with people affected by autism. The results showed that the presence of a live animal encouraged the participants in the study to be more social. They were more likely to smile and engage with others than when they just had the toy.

Perhaps this was the reason of HABRI’s recent grant to Green Chimneys, a non-profit dedicated to advancing animal-assisted therapy and other programs that enhance the lives of those around them. The grant is to fund the study Animal Assisted Social Skills Training for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The goal is to spread the message and help those with autism lead a better life with the help of a pet. The study will compare the social advancements of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder with pets and without pet.

For us our pets are our families. But for some, pets can be a lifesaver. They can give children the ability to lead a more normal life, and HABRI is doing a fantastic job paving that road!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

4 Tips About What To Do When You Find A Lost Dog

There''s nothing more heartbreaking than when a family pet disappears. Here''s what to do if someone''s lost dog has wandered into your care.

How To Train A Puppy To Sit

""Sit"" is often one of the first commands that owners teach their new puppy and is easy to learn. Let''s go over the steps on how to train a puppy to sit.

Mini Labradoodle

The Mini Labradoodle is a mixture of Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, and Toy or Miniature Poodle. A loyal, obedient dog with a playful, energetic side.

Irish Sport Horse

The Irish Sport Horse makes wonderful riding horses because of its sensible temperament. It exhibits intelligence, strength, and a gentle disposition.

Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat Review

The Kurgo Skybox Booster Seat gives small dogs the best seat in the car. Not only does it keep your dog off your lap, but it keeps him securely in place.

Frozen Coconut Pineapple Dog Treat Recipe

Let''s get tropical! Our Frozen Coconut Pineapple Dog Treat Recipe will transport your pooch''s taste buds to an island paradise.

Bedlington Terrier

If you saw this dog, you may do a double take. Was that a lamb or a dog? The Bedlington Terrier is most certainly a dog, even if it''s unusual looking.

PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box

What if there was a product that took over the duty of picking up after your cat? Let the PetSafe ScoopFree Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box do all the work for you.

A Pet Parent’s Guide To Heartworm Treatments

Is your dog safe? Let''s go over the basics about what heartworm is, how and why you should protect your dog, and the heartworm treatments available to you.

Giant Mutant Spider Dog Terrifies Victims in Hilarious Prank [Video]

Watch out for things that go bump in the night… we hear there’s a giant mutant spider dog on the loose! Residents of a town in Poland got the fr…

Best Cat Window Perches

Your cat wants to know what''s going on outside. Give her the perfect place to window watch. Check out our list of the best cat window perches.

Things To Consider Before Feeding Your Cat Fish

Something smells fishy! A few reasons to think twice before feeding your cat fish Even though your cat may go crazy at the mere smell of fish and beg you to…

Pointer

The Pointer is a affectionate, active and intelligent family friendly dog with a strong built and high energy levels that loves to hunt.

Pomillon

The friendly little Pomillon blends the super social nature of the Papillon with the exuberance of the Pomeranian. A gentle, eager-to-please pooch.

SuperZoo 2018: WizSmart Pee Pads Encourage Lifting Legs and Eco Consci

Made from defective diapers, WizSmart Pee Pads are eco-friendly pads that can be placed at a 90-degree angle to help male dogs with potty training.