#USA #NAVC #Westlake #Virbac #Human-Animal Bond

Virbac Achieves Human-Animal Bond Certification

In a significant move towards enhancing veterinary care, Virbac Corporation has recently attained the Human-Animal Bond Certification. This landmark achievement was announced jointly by the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). The certification underscores Virbac's dedication to furthering the education and training of both veterinary professionals and personnel in clinics across North America.

Understanding the Certification

The Human-Animal Bond Certification aims to deepen the comprehension of the health benefits derived from pet ownership and interaction between humans and animals. By leveraging this foundational knowledge, veterinary practices can enhance their services, ultimately improving outcomes for both pets and their owners. As the program focuses on integrating this understanding into veterinary medicine at the clinic level, it marks a pivotal progression in how veterinary teams can connect with clients and their pets.

Virbac's President and CEO, Giovanni Abruzzini, emphasized this achievement's relevance, stating, "A strong commitment to the human-animal bond is in Virbac's DNA." He remarked that becoming a Human-Animal Bond Certified Company exemplifies Virbac's resolve to enhance ongoing research and education that emphasizes the well-being of both animals and their human companions, as well as the veterinary teams dedicated to their care.

Training Initiatives Underway

In the short span since obtaining this certification, nearly 250 Virbac employees have completed training courses tailored toward this certification. Early feedback from the team has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong willingness to embrace this new educational framework. Plans to broaden the training program are already in motion, reflecting the company's proactive stance in redefining its industry leadership.

The certification represents not only a corporate value but also serves as a catalyst for future initiatives by Virbac as it continues to deepen its efforts to strengthen the human-animal bond.

Gene O'Neill, the CEO of NAVC, shared insights into the mission of the organization: "Providing continuing education to veterinary professionals across the world is NAVC's core mission. We continuously analyze what is at the cutting-edge of veterinary medicine and how it will shape the future." Highlighting the importance of the Human-Animal Bond, O'Neill pointed out that partnering with organizations like Virbac and HABRI enhances veterinary teams' understanding of the critical connections between pets and their owners.

The Course and Its Impact

Introduced in 2018, the Human-Animal Bond Certification course is a comprehensive, science-based curriculum aimed at veterinary professionals. Participants are taught practical strategies to incorporate bond principles in their daily practices, which can lead to enhanced interactions with clients and more robust support during challenging discussions.

Since its inception, over 1,325 veterinary professionals have received certification through this program, showcasing its growing influence within the field. Veterinary and technician students also have the opportunity to register for the Human-Animal Bond Certification through VetFolio, NAVC's innovative digital platform that fosters online learning and engagement within the veterinary community.

About the Organizations

Virbac operates on a global scale, providing transformative solutions to veterinarians, farmers, and pet owners in over 100 countries. Its diverse portfolio of more than 50 species—encompassing a variety of products and services—aims to diagnose and treat a wide array of health issues, ultimately improving animals' quality of life.

Meanwhile, NAVC is a well-established nonprofit, dedicated to advancing the skills and knowledge of veterinary professionals worldwide. As a preeminent provider of ongoing veterinary education, NAVC offers extensive resources, training, and tools designed to ensure that veterinary teams stay informed about the latest developments in animal care and medicine.

HABRI serves as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding research that evidences the health and social benefits of companion animals, advocating for their essential roles within society.

Individuals interested in learning more can visit the respective websites of Virbac, NAVC, or HABRI to explore the extensive resources and training opportunities available, marking the start of a new era in veterinary care creatively intertwined with the human-animal bond.