Ahead of Take Your Dog to Work Day, HABRI and Dechra Partner to Strengthen the Human-Animal Bond

WASHINGTON, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Dechra, a global animal health company focused on veterinary specialty care, are marking "Take Your Dog to Work Day" by announcing a new partnership to advance their shared mission of supporting the human-animal bond through research, education and advocacy.

Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrates the many ways pets can improve human health and well-being with a focus on the benefits of pet-inclusive workplaces. Research shows that employees who bring their dogs to work experience less stress during the day, and that dogs at work increase job satisfaction for all employees regardless of dog ownershipⁱ. In addition, more than 80% of HR professionals report that they have seen firsthand the mental health benefits of pets for their company employeesⁱⁱ.

"At Dechra, we understand that veterinary healthcare teams play a vital role in protecting and strengthening the human-animal bond — including the growing recognition of pets as important contributors to mental health and wellness," said Laura Olsen, Dechra President, North America. "We're proud to partner with HABRI to elevate the science demonstrating the mental and physical benefits of the bond and how this can help unlock better health at both ends of the leash."

Capitalizing on Dechra's leadership and expertise in supporting veterinarians, the HABRI – Dechra partnership will focus on raising awareness of the growing importance of the human animal bond through outreach and education. Veterinary healthcare teams play a vital role in maintaining the human-animal bond, both in clinical settings and as trusted advisors to pet owners who view their animals as family — and even as coworkers.

"With our focus on providing data-driven solutions, training, and education for veterinary healthcare teams, Dechra is uniquely positioned to not only help pet owners recognize the true impact of healthy pets in their lives but also emphasize that healthy pets are not possible without their veterinarian and the services they provide," Olsen added.

Research shows that stronger human animal bonds are connected to a greater commitment to preventive and therapeutic veterinary careⁱⁱⁱ. Veterinary practices that focus on and communicate the importance of the bond can better support clients and their animals.

"From Take Your Dog to Work Day to everyday visits to the veterinarian, strengthening the human-animal bond is beneficial for people and pets," said Steven Feldman, President of HABRI. "Dechra's commitment to veterinary excellence and bond-centered care makes them an ideal partner in this important mission."

About Dechra
Dechra is a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products business. The company focuses on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-quality veterinary products to support animal health and welfare worldwide. For more information, visit www.dechra-us.com.

About HABRI
HABRI is a not-for-profit organization that funds innovative scientific research to document the health benefits of companion animals; educates the public about human-animal bond research; and advocates for the beneficial role of companion animals in society. For more information, please visit http://www.habri.org 

Media Contacts:
Lauren Dorsch for Dechra
913-914-6903
[email protected] 

Hayley Maynard for HABRI
614-701-8205
[email protected]

ⁱ Barker, R. T., Knisely, J. S., Barker, S. B., Cobb, R. K., & Schubert, C. M. (2012). Preliminary investigation of employee's dog presence on stress and organizational perceptions. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 5(1), 15-30.
ⁱⁱ HABRI Survey of HR Professionals, June 2024.
ⁱⁱⁱ HABRI International Survey of Pet Owners and Veterinarians, 2021-2023.

SOURCE Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)