Human-animal bond certification program now available

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) have launched a certification course for practicing veterinarians, veterinary nurses and practice managers: Human Animal Bond Certified.

Through a series of online modules created by experts in human-animal interaction science, veterinary professionals can learn about the health benefits of pet ownership and human-animal interaction and learn how best to use that knowledge in veterinary practice, according to a release from both associations.

Participants utilize an online interface at an individualized pace, focusing on aspects of veterinary practice ranging from better client dialogue to compliance to improved financial performance, says Tom Bohn, CEO of NAVC, in the release.

According to a recent HABRI survey of pet owners, veterinarians are a trusted resource for scientific information on the human health benefits of pets. When 2,000 pet owners were educated about the benefits of pet ownership:

• 92 percent said they were more likely to maintain a pet's health, including keeping up with vaccines and preventive medicine.

• 89 percent said they were more likely to maintain a pet's health, including regular checkups with a veterinarian.

• 88 percent said they were more likely to provide a pet with higher-quality nutrition.

• 51 percent said they were more likely to purchase pet health insurance.

• 62 percent said they were less likely to skip visits to the veterinarian.

• 89 percent said they were more likely to take better care of a pet.

Veterinarians, already viewed favorably by 97 percent of pet owners, are also viewed as important messengers for scientific information on the health benefits of pets, especially by millennial pet owners:

• 66 percent of pet owners (77 percent of millennials) would have a more favorable view of their veterinarian if they discussed the health benefits of the human-animal bond with them.

• 61 percent of pet owners (74 percent of millennials) would be more likely to visit their veterinarian if they discussed the health benefits of the human-animal bond with them.

To assemble the course material, HABRI and the NAVC convened a group of highly qualified veterinarians, researchers and academics who have helped advance understanding of how pets improve human health. The AVMA was a key contributor, serving as a founding educational partner for the certification.

HABRI co-founders Zoetis and Petco are premier sponsors for the certification course, along with PetSmart Charities. For more information about the Human Animal Bond Certification, visit NAVC.com/HAB.