International Human Animal Bond Day Date in the current year: November 8, 2024

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and animals shaped by behaviors that are critical to the physical, mental, and social health and well-being of both.

The term “human-animal bond” is most often applied to the relationship between humans and companion animals, i.e. pets. The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), a nonprofit research and education organization focused on raising awareness about the positive health effects of companion animals, has listed the following top five benefits of the human-animal bond for pet owners.

Pets help reduce stress. Studies show that pet ownership is associated with lower heart rate and blood pressure in response to stressful situations. Pet owners are also likely to recover from stress more quickly than those who do not have a companion animal.

Pets help fight depression. Studies have shown that pet ownership serves as a distraction and encourages activity because pet owners have to care for their pets no matter what. In addition, pets bring joy into our lives. Of course, getting a dog or a cat won’t cure you from depression, but it can be a helpful supplement to therapy and medication.

Pets help people cope with loneliness and social isolation. Owning a dog provides opportunities for spending time outdoors and socializing with other dog owners. Pet ownership can also provide a sense of purpose.

Pets encourage activity and physical fitness. This is especially true for dogs, as walking and playing with your dog is great exercise.

Pets improve resilience and healing. Several studies have shown that pet ownership is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke.

Of course, pets also benefit from the human-animal bond, which is supposed to be mutually beneficial. Pet owners provide their pets with love and care, ensuring that they live long, healthy, and happy lives.

International Human Animal Bond Day (International HAB Day, IHAB Day) was established in 2021 by the Human Animal Bond Association (HABA), a nonprofit organization that advocates and educates about the human connection to the natural world, including animals, and the importance of that connection to all of us. HABA organizes the celebration in partnership with the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS), a UK-based organization that promotes the study of human-animal interactions and raises awareness of the importance of pets in society.

How can you get involved with International Human Animal Bond Day? The best way to celebrate this holiday is to give your pet some extra love – or consider getting a pet if you don’t have one (preferably from an animal shelter). And don’t forget to post about the holiday on social media using the hashtags #IHABDay and #HumanAnimalBond.