The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) have launched a new certification course for practicing veterinarians, veterinary nurses and veterinary practice managers – Human-Animal Bond Certified.
Through a series of online modules assembled by experts in the field of human-animal interaction science, veterinarians, veterinary nurses and veterinary practice managers can now develop a formal understanding of the research demonstrating the health benefits of pet ownership and human-animal interaction, and learn how best to use that knowledge in the practice of veterinary medicine.
“Human-Animal Bond Certified will become the new gold standard for veterinarians looking to engage their clients in a meaningful and effective way,” said Tom Bohn, CEO of NAVC. “Through an easy online interface that can be completed at an individualized pace, the Certification will support every aspect of a veterinary practice, from better client dialogue and compliance to improved financial performance.”
“NAVC is a great partner for HABRI, combining human-animal bond science with an unparalleled educational experience for participants in the course,” said Steven Feldman, HABRI Executive Director. “This certification will help veterinarians, veterinary nurses and practice managers understand the science of the human-animal bond, using that knowledge to strengthen client relationships, improve animal care and boost practice wellness.”
Veterinarians will gain from spreading the human-animal bond message. According to a recent HABRI survey of pet owners, veterinarians are a trusted resource for scientific information on the human health benefits of pets, and vets have an opportunity to further strengthen their relationships with pet owners. When 2,000 pet owners were educated about the human health benefits of pet ownership:
- 92% said they were more likely to maintain a pet’s health, including keeping up with vaccines and preventive medicine
- 89% said they were more likely to maintain a pet’s health, including regular check-ups with a veterinarian
- 88% said they were more likely to provide a pet with higher quality nutrition
- 51% said they were more likely to purchase pet health insurance
- 62% said they were less likely to skip visits to the veterinarian
- 89% said they were more likely to take better care of a pet
Veterinarians, already viewed favorably by 97% of pet owners, are also viewed as important messengers for scientific information on the health benefits of pets, especially by millennial pet owners:
- 66% of pet owners (77% 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% of pet owners (74% of millennials) would be more likely to visit their veterinarian if they discussed the health benefits of the human-animal bond with them
“With 98% of pet parents considering their pets to be important members of the family, becoming Human-Animal Bond Certified will give veterinarians the tools they need to safeguard these relationships,” added Bohn.
To assemble the course material, HABRI and the NAVC convened a group of highly-qualified veterinarians, researchers and academics, many of whom have helped advance our understanding of just how much pets improve our health and well-being through their own research. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) was a key contributor, serving as a Founding Educational Partner for the certification.
For more information about the Human-Animal Bond Certification, visit NAVC.com/HAB.