Benefits of pets to human health
Over the past year the online hub for the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation (HABRI) has been collecting extensive research and evidence solidifying the positive impacts animals have on human health.
The research is now available online and covers seven key areas, including allergy and asthma immunity among children, Alzheimer’s, autism, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Among the crucial findings, the research suggests that those suffering with PTSD benefit from contact with companion animals. Many physical benefits have been identified, such as the release of oxytocin and endorphins in the brain.
The research also shows that patients recovering from heart surgery have a better rate of survival if they own a pet.
Bob Vetere, HABRI president, explained: "Research exploring the human-animal bond is still a relatively new area of study and we are pleased with the compilation and strong amount of research that has been conducted on these health issues thus far.
"We look forward to continuing the momentum and our commitment to supporting research in multiple fields to help solidify that pets provide people with dozens of health benefits and much more than just love and companionship.”
HABRI is a national, non-profit foundation that promotes the positive role animals play in the health and well being of people, families and communities. With HABRI Central, the online hub, providing a publishing platform for its studies.
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
