HABRI - The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative has published new research detailing the beneficial effects of pet ownership - for their owners and for the health care industry.

Here is their press release:

PET OWNERSHIP SAVES $11.7 BILLION IN HEALTH CARE COSTS

HUMAN ANIMAL BOND RESEARCH INITIATIVE RELEASES NEW ECONOMIC STUDY

"The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) Foundation is a non-profit research and education organization that is gathering, funding and sharing the scientific research to demonstrate the positive health impacts of companion animals on people.

Founded by the American Pet Products Association, Zoetis, and Petco, and supported by a growing number of organizations and individuals, the HABRI Foundation is fast becoming the go-to spot for research and information on the human-animal bond."

We will soon post another article looking more critically at the research.  As dog lovers we are likely predisposed to accept the findings.  But as we know, health and health care are complex.  If, for example, this finding prompts physicians to start prescribing 'pets' - well that might bring up a lot of other issues.

In the meantime, we have to do all we can to ensure that these 'healthier owners' have healthier dogs!