For International Human-Animal Bond Day (Nov. 8^th), Dechra elevates its commitment to supporting veterinarians in protecting the bond worldwide

Dechra, a global leader in veterinary specialty care, announced today its status as the newest Human-Animal Bond Certified Company. As a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company, Dechra has made a major commitment to supporting human-animal bond education for veterinary professionals, to training its own workforce on the science of the bond, and to supporting the research efforts of the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).

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For International Human-Animal Bond Day (Nov. 8th), Dechra elevates its commitment to supporting veterinarians in protecting the bond worldwide by becoming the newest Human-Animal Bond Certified Company.

“At Dechra, the powerful connection between people and animals is at the core of our mission,” said Laura Olsen, President, North America and Chief Marketing Officer, Dechra. “This Human-Animal Bond Certification firmly reinforces our belief that the human-animal bond improves lives on both ends of the leash — and further equips veterinarians with educational tools to protect the bond every day in their practices and communities.”

International Human-Animal Bond Day

November 8^th is International Human-Animal Bond Day and celebrates the globally recognized, mutually beneficial relationship between people and companion animals. The human-animal bond offers scientifically-documented mental, physical and social health benefits, boosting personal and public health. Studies show how the positive impacts of pet ownership contribute to healthy aging and slower cognitive decline¹, increased social capital², reduced stress and better sleep quality³, and improved mental health⁴.

HABRI conducted an international survey to demonstrate the universal value pet owners place on the bond with their pets. Findings revealed that 98% of pet owners around the world reported seeing at least one health benefit from their pets, including increased happiness and reduced loneliness. Essential for the veterinary profession, 80% of pet owners globally said that they would be more likely to maintain their pet’s health, including regular check-ups with their veterinarian, if they knew more about the science of the human-animal bond.

“We know from our research that the human-animal bond plays an integral role in the health and wellbeing of people and entire communities – International Human-Animal Bond Day is the perfect time to not only honor this universal bond but also companies like Dechra who have made the bond part of their core mission,” said Steven Feldman, President, HABRI. “In becoming a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company, Dechra is reinforcing its role as a leader in the animal health space, and empowering veterinary teams and pet owners alike with critical information to support the human-animal bond every day.”

Human-Animal Bond Certification

The Human-Animal Bond Certification, offered jointly by HABRI and NAVC, explores the scientifically-documented benefits of the human-animal bond and provides tools for veterinary professionals to not only communicate the power of the bond, but also incorporate this knowledge into the practice of high-quality veterinary medicine. Through a series of online modules and electives assembled by experts in the field, the HAB Certification focuses on:

• Biological mechanisms of the bond
• Health benefits of pet ownership and all forms of human-animal interactions
• Domains of animal welfare and assessment techniques
• Protocols to positively acknowledge the bond and maximize doctor-client interactions
• Methods for eliminating practices that hinder the bond during veterinary visits

As part of the certification process, Dechra colleagues will have access to begin exploring these tools to better understand the science of the bond and its role in veterinary medicine.

In early 2026, Dechra will begin sharing Human-Animal Bond Certification training with its customers. As a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company, Dechra is also helping to make the course, offered through NAVC’s Vetfolio, accessible and affordable as online continuing education for individual veterinarians and clinics.

About Dechra

Dechra is a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products. The company focuses on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-quality veterinary products to support animal health and welfare worldwide. For more information, visit www.dechra-us.com.

About HABRI

HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that funds innovative scientific research to document the health benefits of companion animals; educates the public about human-animal bond research; and advocates for the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit http://www.habri.org. 

¹ Rostekova, A., Lampraki, C., Maurer, J. et al. Longitudinal relationships between pet ownership and cognitive functioning in later adulthood across pet types and individuals’ ages. Sci Rep 15, 19066 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-03727-9

² Zhao, J., Koohsari, M.J., Li, J. et al. Beyond companionship: psycho-social benefits of pet ownership. BMC Public Health 25, 2320 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23464-y

³ Arasu, P., Ramamoorthy, S., Subramanian, M., & Chandrasekar, M. D. (2025). Effects of pet ownership on stress and sleep quality among working professionals in Chennai: A cross-sectional study. Natural and Life Sciences Communications, 24(3), e2025044.

⁴ Kerr-Little, A., Bramness, J.G., Newberry, R.C. et al. Dog ownership for people with substance use disorder: self-reported influence on substance use and mental health. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 20, 27 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-025-00653-x

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As a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company, Dechra has committed to supporting human-animal bond education for veterinary professionals, to training its own workforce on the science of the bond, and research efforts of HABRI.