Animal health company is now human-animal bond certified

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has named Virbac a Human-Animal Bond Certified company. The certification expands Virbac’s partnership with HABRI, announced in February 2026, with a commitment to training and education, according to the animal health care company.^1,2

“A strong commitment to the human-animal bond is in Virbac’s DNA,” Giovanni Abruzzini, president and CEO of Virbac North America, in a news release.¹ “Becoming a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company signals Virbac’s deep commitment to advancing research and education that supports the well-being of people, animals and the veterinary teams who take care of them.”

HABRI works to fund scientific research that documents the health benefits of companion animals as well as educate the public about human-animal bond research and advocate for the role of companion animals in society, according to the organization.² In a dvm360 interview, Lindsey Braun, vice president of research and operations for HABRI, discussed the organization’s work and purpose behind it.³

“We have an RFP process every year. We issue proposals from all over the globe. Basically, it's a very international field of research, but we cast a pretty wide net looking at everything from the benefits of the human animal bond for child health and development to healthy aging and mental health and wellness. This year, for the first time ever, we're doing a special call on housing, pet inclusive rental housing,” Braun said.³

“We really need the data and the research to support the kinds of policies and programs that are already in place or that really need to help kind of broader society benefit and improve public health… Whether it's people, pet owners, the animal welfare system, the veterinarians, we believe that everyone, should have access to a healthy pet in their lives,” Braun added.³

The HABRI-Virbac partnership is a collaboration on education and outreach efforts that aim to translate scientific research into practical insights veterinary professionals and the greater public in support of animal health, according to the not-for-profit organization. “Virbac’s purpose—advancing animal health with those who care for animals every day so that people and animals can live better together—aligns strongly with HABRI’s commitment to funding and advancing research that demonstrates the wide-ranging benefits of the human–animal bond,” said Steven Feldman, president of HABRI, in a news release.²

The Human-Animal Bond Certification, created by HABRI and the NAVC, is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the health benefits of pet ownership and human-animal interaction. The certification course is a comprehensive, science-based program for veterinary professionals in which participants can learn practical ways to incorporate human-animal bond principles in daily practice and how to deploy this information at the clinician level.¹

“Providing continuing education to veterinary professionals across the world is NAVC’s core mission,” Gene O’Neill, CEO of NAVC and vice chair of HABRI’s board of trustees, said in a news release.¹ “We continually look at what is on the cutting-edge of veterinary medicine and how that will shape the future. The Human-Animal Bond is at the forefront, and partnering with organizations like Virbac and HABRI on this work helps veterinary teams better understand the bond between pets and their owners.”

More than 1325 veterinary professionals have become Human-Animal Bond Certified since the program was launched in 2018. Nearly 250 Virbac employees completed the training course within the first 30 days it has been offered. Based on “overwhelmingly positive” feedback, the company has plans to extend the training.¹

Veterinary and veterinary technician students may register for the Human Animal Bond Certification on VetFolio, the NAVC’s digital learning platform for veterinary professionals.

References

1. Leading with care: Virbac becomes a human-animal bond certified company. News release. Virbac. April 22, 2026. [email]
2. HABRI and Virbac join forces in support of the human-animal bond. News release. Human-Animal Bond Research Institute. February 17, 2026. Accessed May 6, 2026. https://habri.org/pressroom/20260217
3. Crossley KC, Braun. Researching the human-animal bond. dvm360. February 13, 2026. Accessed May 6, 2026. https://www.dvm360.com/view/researching-the-human-animal-bond