Funding Available for Research on the Health Outcomes of Pet Ownership and Human-Animal Interaction
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), a US-based non-profit organisation, is inviting proposals for its Addressing Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Human-Animal Interaction funding scheme aimed at exploring the health benefits of human-animal interaction. This initiative supports research that examines the health outcomes associated with pet ownership and animal-assisted interventions (AAI) for both humans and animals.
Eligible studies should focus on areas such as the role of pet ownership in promoting wellbeing, the impacts of therapy animals and the effectiveness of AAI in addressing social issues like anxiety, loneliness and trauma. Research proposals must include a solid theoretical framework and aim to produce actionable recommendations for policymakers, veterinarians and health practitioners.
HABRI will award approximately five to six grants annually, with an average funding amount of $50,000 per project and a typical duration of 20 months.
Additional funding is available through Pet Partners, a therapy animal organisation in the United States, for projects that investigate AAI outcomes, especially those involving non-canine species and cross-cultural perspectives.