HABRI Recognizes Organizations Strengthening Human-Animal Bond

The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has recognized seven organizations for their innovative programs and policies that strengthen the human-animal bond.

HABRI has honored organizations across public service, media, workplace culture, infrastructure, and international categories for their efforts in building a more pet-friendly world.

**Public Service Honorees Keep Pets and People Together**

Two organizations shared honors in the Public Service category. Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members keep their pets while serving, has kept over 3,000 animals out of shelters and linked over 44,000 volunteer boarders. The Arizona Pet Project also received an award for its work with UMOM New Day Centers, where it helped create a family shelter that welcomes pets and delivers veterinary care on-site.

| Category | Public Service Honorees | | --- | --- | | Organization | Dogs on Deployment, Arizona Pet Project | | Achievement | Kept over 3,000 animals out of shelters, linked over 44,000 volunteer boarders |

**Documentary Earns Recognition in Media**

In the Media category, the documentary “Unspoken Bond” was recognized for its portrayal of people whose relationships with animals aided their healing and recovery.

| Category | Media Honoree | | --- | --- | | Organization | KTF Films | | Achievement | Created the documentary “Unspoken Bond” |

**Workplaces Build Pets into Culture and Infrastructure**

The City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department won in the Pet-Inclusive Culture category for its Employee Pet Care Membership program, which gives city workers low-cost access to preventive services. Roehl Transport claimed the Pet-Inclusive Infrastructure award for its Pet Passport Program, which pairs pet-friendly policies with practical amenities.

| Category | Pet-Inclusive Culture and Infrastructure Honorees | | --- | --- | | Organization | City of Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department, Roehl Transport | | Achievement | Employee Pet Care Membership program, Pet Passport Program |

**International Winners Expand Access and Advocacy**

The International category also produced two winners. Lovedogs 360 Foundation was honored for widening access to companion animal care in Kenya through training, storytelling, and technology. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was recognized for its advocacy behind the United Kingdom’s Renters’ Rights Act, which lets tenants request permission to keep a pet.

| Category | International Honorees | | --- | --- | | Organization | Lovedogs 360 Foundation, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home | | Achievement | Widening access to companion animal care in Kenya, advocacy behind the United Kingdom’s Renters’ Rights Act |

HABRI President Steven Feldman thanked the awards’ sponsors, including presenting sponsor PetSmart Charities, for their support in recognizing and elevating the groundbreaking work being done to strengthen the bond between people and animals in communities around the world.

More information on the winners is available at habri.org.