Habri Honors 7 Organizations For Innovation Awards

ON WEDNESDAY, THE HUMAN ANIMAL Bond Research Institute (HABRI) announced the winners of our annual Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, which recognize companies, individuals and organizations offering innovative programs, policies and initiatives to advance the human-animal bond and create a more pet-friendly society.

Seven awards were distributed in five categories to national and international organizations.

Public Service Category: The Arizona Pet Project

The Arizona Pet Project partnered with UMOM New Day Centers to launch one of the nation’s first comprehensive pet-
inclusive shelter models, providing veterinary care and pet support services directly within a family shelter and keeping families and their pets together.

Public Service Category: Dogs on Deployment

Dogs on Deployment is a nonprofit organization that supports military families during deployments, relocations, training assignments and other hardships through its free nationwide Hero Pet Boarding Network and financial assistance program, so service members and first responders don’t have to choose between their careers and pets.

Media Category: Unspoken Bond Documentary, KTF Films and Jackie Ducci

Unspoken Bond, created by Jackie Ducci and produced by KTF Films, is redefining how media can advance understanding of the human-animal bond via compelling stories of individuals whose relationships with animals have supported healing, resilience and recovery.

Pet-Inclusive Culture Category: The City of Albuquerque, Animal Welfare Department

The Employee Pet Care Membership program is a voluntary benefit that provides City of Albuquerque employees with affordable access to preventive veterinary care, including spay and neuter services, vaccinations and annual wellness exams.

Pet-Inclusive Infrastructure Category: Roehl Transport

Through its Pet Passport Program, Roehl Transport combines pet-friendly policies with dedicated amenities, including pet run areas and waste stations, to support drivers in bringing their pets on the road.

International Category: Lovedogs 360 Foundation

Lovedogs 360 Foundation is expanding access to companion animal care across Kenya by promoting responsible pet ownership through community training, culturally relevant storytelling and accessible veterinary resources that strengthen the human-animal bond.

International Category: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is advancing pet-inclusive housing through its successful advocacy for stronger protections for renters with pets in the United Kingdom. Working in partnership with Mars, the organization combined research, public engagement and policy advocacy to help drive passage of the landmark Renters’ Rights Act.

These organizations and the individuals working tirelessly on these initiatives demonstrated that innovative ideas — whether through policy, infrastructure, media or community programs — can strengthen the human-animal bond and create meaningful, lasting impact for pets, people and communities. We are thrilled to recognize their leadership and the difference they are making in communities around the world.

HABRI is grateful to Presenting Sponsor PetSmart Charities; Category Sponsors DOGTV, Purina and Zoetis; and Supporting Sponsors the World Pet Association and Tito’s Handmade Vodka for their support for this important program. For more information about these winners and the Human Animal Bond Innovation Awards, please visit habri.org/hab-innovation-awards.