New Report on Addressing the Loneliness Crisis Through the Power of Pets
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ars Petcare and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), with support from a broad consortium of partners, released a report that offers a roadmap for advancing research and best practices that address how human-animal interaction can serve as an important solution to the growing epidemic of loneliness and social isolation.
There is increasing evidence that pets can play an important role in helping people feel less lonely and more socially connected, said Steven Feldman, Executive Director, HABRI. Together with the leadership of Mars Petcare and a group of other experts and stakeholders, HABRI will work to address the crisis of loneliness in our society with the power of the human-animal bond.
Loneliness currently affects three in five Americans[1] and 9 million people in the United Kingdom.[2] Loneliness can be as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes per day, making it a serious threat to public health.[3] Mars Petcare and HABRI surveyed 2,000 people in the United States, finding that 85 percent of respondents believe interaction with companion animals can help reduce loneliness.[4]
We have a responsibility to take the scientific exploration further when evidence to date shows us that pets can be part of addressing such a significant societal issue, commented Rena Crumplen, Global Vice President of Research and Development, Mars Petcare. It's important that we undertake rigorous studies to understand how companion animals may provide a benefit for those suffering from conditions associated with social isolation and loneliness.
The new report, Addressing the Social Isolation and Loneliness Epidemic with the Power of Companion Animals, brings forward the recommendations from the Summit on Social Isolation and Companion Animals, along with the continued work of a broad consortium of human health advocates, mental health practitioners, veterinarians and human-animal interaction researchers. The report outlines the following three-pronged approach to facilitate the role of HAI and pet ownership in addressing social isolation and loneliness
Advance High-Quality Research Advance human-animal interaction (HAI) research to glean a better understanding for whom and under what circumstances interactions with companion animals may be effective for alleviating social isolation and loneliness.
Help Address Barriers and Provide Solutions Identify ways to remove barriers to access for pet ownership and human-animal interaction for those who may face hurdles and stand to benefit most - including older adults and people with mental health challenges.
Share and Support the Proliferation of Best Practices Support and help advance best practices in HAI and for companion animal ownership that help prevent, reduce and mitigate social isolation and loneliness. Ensure animal-assisted interventions in approved settings - including hospitals, nursing homes and within our communities - are grounded in science, meet high standards of animal welfare, and have the broadest societal impact.
Organizations that have contributed to the report, through participation in the Summit and the ongoing consortium working groups, include
Alliance for Aging Research
American Pet Products Association
Animal Policy Group
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
Association of Child Life Professionals
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
American Veterinary Medical Association
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Banfield Pet Hospital
California State Polytechnic University
Canine Companions for Independence
Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Chicago Headquarters
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
Florida State University
Found Animals Foundation
The Gerontological Society of America
Guide Dogs for the Blind
Humane Rescue Alliance
International Council on Active Aging
Mental Health America
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine
National Association for Home Care & Hospice
National Council on Aging
North American Veterinary Community
Petco Foundation
Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council
Pet Partners
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
Sick Cells
University of Maryland, Baltimore
University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine
Village to Village Network
Virginia Commonwealth University
Whistle
Click here to access Addressing the Social Isolation and Loneliness Epidemic with the Power of Companion Animals. To learn more about research into the benefits of pets on loneliness, please visit www.waltham.com and www.habri.org. To learn more about the benefits of pets and how you can take action in your community so that more people and pets can live healthy lives together, visit www.BetterCitiesforPets.com.
✔️ New Report on Addressing the Loneliness Crisis Through the Power of Pets
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