Dechra Advances Public Health as Newest Human-Animal Bond Certified Company

Dechra, a global leader in veterinary specialty care, recently announced 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).

“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 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 percent 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 percent 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.”

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