Leading with Care: Virbac Becomes a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) recently announced that Virbac Corporation has become Human-Animal Bond Certified.

This human-animal bond certification reinforces Virbac’s commitment to training and education, as well as expands its partnership with HABRI, which was announced earlier this year.

The Human-Animal Bond Certification, created by HABRI and the NAVC, provides a deeper understanding of the health benefits of pet ownership and human-animal interaction and how this information can be deployed at the clinic level to improve veterinary medicine.

“A strong commitment to the human-animal bond is in Virbac’s DNA,” said President and CEO of Virbac North America Giovanni Abruzzini. “Becoming a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company signals Virbac’s deep commitment to advancing research and education that supports the well-being of people, animals and the veterinary teams who take care of them.”

Virbac is offering the training course to their employees, and in the first 30 days since becoming certified, almost 250 have completed the training. Initial response from the Virbac team is overwhelmingly positive, and plans to extend the training are already underway.

Virbac is stepping into a new chapter of industry leadership with the Human-Animal Bond certification now achieved across its entire North American operation. With its U.S. and Canadian teams unified under this scientific framework, Virbac is positioned to deepen its impact on the human-animal bond, not just as a corporate value, but as a driving force behind everything it does next.

“Providing continuing education to veterinary professionals across the world is NAVC’s core mission,” said NAVC CEO Gene O’Neill, who also serves as Vice Chair of HABRI’s Board of Trustees. “We continually look at what is on the cutting-edge of veterinary medicine and how that will shape the future. The Human-Animal Bond is at the forefront, and partnering with organizations like Virbac and HABRI on this work helps veterinary teams better understand the bond between pets and their owners.”

Launched in 2018, the Human-Animal Bond Certification course is a comprehensive, science-based program for veterinary professionals. Participants learn practical ways to incorporate human-animal bond principles in daily practice, leading to more meaningful client interactions and stronger support through difficult conversations. Since 2018, more than 1,325 veterinary professionals have become Human-Animal Bond Certified.

Veterinary and veterinary technician students may register for the Human Animal Bond Certification  on VetFolio, the NAVC’s industry-leading digital platform, which provides online virtual learning and engagement for veterinary professionals.