The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) issued a new report, The Role of Companion Animals for Improved Mental Health, on Feb. 12 that focuses on providing data, insights, and best practices to boost awareness and implementation of policies and programs that elevate the role of pets for improved mental health. “By prioritizing research, fostering partnerships, advancing best practices, and advocating for pet-inclusive policies, we can unlock the full potential of the human-animal bond to improve mental health outcomes for everyone,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI. The positive impact of the human-animal bond for mental well-being has been cited in numerous research. Building on this foundation, the HABRI Spring Policy Forum sought to uncover the practical implications of these findings, examining successful programs, practices, and resources that use the human-animal bond for improved mental health outcomes. The report provides a synopsis of the expert presentations made by professionals across a wide array of disciplines, including mental health, animal-assisted interventions (AAIs), veterinary medicine, social work, housing, and public policy. A key finding is that the lack of access to affordable, pet-friendly housing poses a significant barrier to pet ownership for many. During the Policy Forum, the Enforcement Division of Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, shared insights on how the agency plays a key role in implementing regulations related to service and assistance animals in public housing, ensuring that individuals with these animals are protected from discrimination. Click here to read and download the report: The Role of Companion Animals for Improved Mental Health. Related news: The People and Animals Wellbeing (PAW) Act, was presented by the bill’s lead sponsor, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) in September 2024 proposing to include veterinary care expenses under tax-advantaged Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
