Promoting “The Pet Effect”

Zoetis and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) launched a new campaign in early March to promote how important pets are for human health. They’re dubbing it “The Pet Effect.”

A growing body of research supports the benefits of owning dogs and cats, including decreased rates of depression, childhood allergies, and obesity. By launching The Pet Effect, Zoetis and HABRI want to use the science to place veterinarians at the center of a conversation with pet owners. Because veterinarians care for pets and make sure they are happy and healthy, they are important factors of The Pet Effect.

In a survey conducted by HABRI in September 2016, 61% of pet owners—and 74% of millennials—said they would be more likely to visit their veterinarian if they discussed the health benefits of the human-animal bond. In addition to delivering the information to patients, The Pet Effect website links to the research that’s been done to back up each claim and provides cute and accessible infographics that can be shared through various forms of social media.

There are also funny, short videos styled in the form of a drug commercials, but instead pushing prescriptions for DOG and CAT. (Warning: side effects for DOG include talking in funny dog voices and getting jealous when your dog kisses someone else.)

For veterinarians interested in printed material, the HABRI website provides infographics that can be downloaded as well as posters, flyers, and brochures.

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