HABRI Announces Winners of the 2026 Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards
The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) recently revealed the recipients of its prestigious Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards for 2026. These awards are designed to honor organizations and initiatives dedicated to strengthening the bond between humans and animals. This year’s winners exemplify innovation and commitment in their respective fields, promoting a pet-friendly society.
Among the major winners are Dogs on Deployment and The Arizona Pet Project, both celebrated in the Public Service category. Dogs on Deployment, a non-profit organization, works diligently to ensure that U.S. service members are able to keep their pets during periods of military service through its Hero Pet Boarding Network. This initiative has successfully saved over 3,000 pets from relinquishment, while providing peace of mind to military families in challenging times.
On the other hand, The Arizona Pet Project has transformed homelessness services by providing shelter options that include pets, ensuring families do not have to choose between their animals and gaining access to essential services. Their innovative partnership with UMOM New Day Centers leads the way in creating comprehensive pet-inclusive shelter models.
In the Media category, 'Unspoken Bond,' a documentary produced by KTF Films and directed by Jackie Ducci, showcases the healing journey of individuals through their relationships with animals. By emphasizing the positive psychological impacts these bonds can have, the documentary invites audiences to consider the broader implications of animal companionship in mental health and social support.
Another significant winner, the City of Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Department, received recognition for its Employee Pet Care Membership program, aimed at improving workplace morale and veterinary care access for city employees’ pets. This program serves as a model for integrating pet care into employee benefits and community health initiatives.
Roehl Transport has set the bar for pet-inclusive infrastructure in the workplace with its Pet Passport Program, allowing truck drivers to travel with their pets. This innovative support system not only boosts employee morale but also reduces isolation, highlighting the profound role pets play in enhancing well-being.
The Lovedogs 360 Foundation, hailing from Kenya, took home the award in the International category for its community-driven approach to pet ownership, combining media, education, and technology to promote responsible pet care.
The awards ceremony also recognized the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for their work in advancing pet-inclusive housing reform within the UK. Their efforts were instrumental in the recent passing of the Renters' Rights Act, enabling renters to keep pets, thereby reinforcing the human-animal bond at a legislative level.
These accolades not only celebrate the remarkable achievements of the awardees but also underscore the growing recognition of the significance of the human-animal bond in our society. Through innovative practices and community-oriented programs, these organizations are paving the way for a future where both people and their pets can thrive together.
Among the major winners are Dogs on Deployment and The Arizona Pet Project, both celebrated in the Public Service category. Dogs on Deployment, a non-profit organization, works diligently to ensure that U.S. service members are able to keep their pets during periods of military service through its Hero Pet Boarding Network. This initiative has successfully saved over 3,000 pets from relinquishment, while providing peace of mind to military families in challenging times.
On the other hand, The Arizona Pet Project has transformed homelessness services by providing shelter options that include pets, ensuring families do not have to choose between their animals and gaining access to essential services. Their innovative partnership with UMOM New Day Centers leads the way in creating comprehensive pet-inclusive shelter models.
In the Media category, 'Unspoken Bond,' a documentary produced by KTF Films and directed by Jackie Ducci, showcases the healing journey of individuals through their relationships with animals. By emphasizing the positive psychological impacts these bonds can have, the documentary invites audiences to consider the broader implications of animal companionship in mental health and social support.
Another significant winner, the City of Albuquerque's Animal Welfare Department, received recognition for its Employee Pet Care Membership program, aimed at improving workplace morale and veterinary care access for city employees’ pets. This program serves as a model for integrating pet care into employee benefits and community health initiatives.
Roehl Transport has set the bar for pet-inclusive infrastructure in the workplace with its Pet Passport Program, allowing truck drivers to travel with their pets. This innovative support system not only boosts employee morale but also reduces isolation, highlighting the profound role pets play in enhancing well-being.
The Lovedogs 360 Foundation, hailing from Kenya, took home the award in the International category for its community-driven approach to pet ownership, combining media, education, and technology to promote responsible pet care.
The awards ceremony also recognized the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for their work in advancing pet-inclusive housing reform within the UK. Their efforts were instrumental in the recent passing of the Renters' Rights Act, enabling renters to keep pets, thereby reinforcing the human-animal bond at a legislative level.
These accolades not only celebrate the remarkable achievements of the awardees but also underscore the growing recognition of the significance of the human-animal bond in our society. Through innovative practices and community-oriented programs, these organizations are paving the way for a future where both people and their pets can thrive together.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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