(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON, DC – The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced that Amazon, a pet-friendly company and supplier of pet products, has become an official sponsor of HABRI and its research on the human health benefits of companion animals.
“Amazon’s support for HABRI and human-animal bond research demonstrates its commitment to the values of great pet care and the importance of pets in our lives,” said Steven Feldman, executive director of HABRI. “Amazon helps make it easy for us to care for our pets and, in turn, our pets contribute to our health and wellness.”
Amazon customers can explore popular pet products, enjoy pet care tips and create a profile for their pet in order to receive personalized recommendations and coupons. In addition to offering customers a wide selection of pet food, treats, toys, tech and more, Amazon has been dog-friendly since Day 1 at its Seattle headquarters where employees share their workspace with as many as 6,000 “pupazonians” each day.
Scientific evidence increasingly shows that pets improve humans’ heart health, alleviate depression, increase well-being, support child health and educational development, and contribute to healthy aging.
New research also shows that pet-supportive workplaces boost employee attraction, engagement and retention. When employers support pet owners, employees are more likely to feel highly connected to their company’s mission, become more fully engaged with their work and are more willing to recommend their employer to others. Additionally, employees at pet-friendly workplaces are 52 percent more likely to report a positive working relationship with their boss and 53 percent more likely to report a positive working relationship with their co-workers, compared to just 14 percent and 19 percent among those in non-pet-friendly environments.
“Science demonstrates that pet-inclusive work environments help boost morale and encourage a culture of healthy collaboration and teamwork,” Feldman added. “Amazon is a leading pet-friendly company, and HABRI looks forward to working together to help more employers become pet-friendly so that more people can experience the benefits of the human-animal bond at home and on the job.”