Five Organizations Honored for Strengthening Human-Pet Relationships in 2025

LAS VEGAS, Nevada, August 13, 2025 — The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) has revealed this year’s recipients of its prestigious Innovation Awards, celebrating groundbreaking initiatives that enhance connections between people and their animal companions while fostering more inclusive communities for pet owners. The awards were presented in a ceremony at SUPERZOO 2025.

Community Champions Lead the Way

Two standout organizations claimed recognition in the Public Service division. Neighborhood Pets Outreach & Resource Center has made remarkable strides since its 2016 launch, providing essential veterinary services and support to nearly 9,000 families while collaborating with more than 20 local partners to address critical needs including nutrition, healthcare, and shelter.

Meanwhile, Pawsperity has revolutionized career development through pet grooming education, transforming economic prospects for individuals facing financial hardship and social obstacles. The organization’s comprehensive approach combines technical grooming skills with essential life coaching and wraparound services, achieving an impressive 96% employment success rate while helping graduates quadruple their annual earnings from $10,000 to $47,000.

Entertainment and Tourism Break New Ground

The media spotlight shines on Disney+ and acclaimed director Bryce Dallas Howard for their heartwarming documentary “Pets,” produced alongside Imagine Documentaries. This intimate film captures authentic stories of human-animal connections across the globe, blending personal narratives with viral content and candid interviews to showcase the profound emotional impact pets have on daily life.

Visit Knoxville earned recognition for their innovative “Barxville” tourism initiative, featuring the charismatic Golden Retriever mascot Hank. The comprehensive campaign includes a pet-perspective visitor’s guide, dedicated documentary content, and a mobile rewards program highlighting the city’s impressive collection of 72 dog-friendly hotels, 53 pet-welcoming restaurants, and signature events like Mardi Growl and Howl-o-ween celebrations.

Mental Health Meets Pet Wellness

Calm, the renowned mental wellness platform, secured honors in the Pet-Inclusive Infrastructure category for pioneering content that explores pets’ role in supporting psychological well-being. Their collaboration with Mars produced the platform’s first pet-focused collection, featuring guided meditations, Sleep Stories, and educational content. The partnership also yielded groundbreaking research through an international survey of over 30,000 pet owners across 20 countries, examining human-animal relationships on an unprecedented scale.

Industry Support Drives Recognition

PetSmart Charities returned as the awards’ presenting sponsor, with additional support from Purina, Zoetis, World Pet Association, and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. According to PetSmart Charities President Aimee Gilbreath, who also serves as Vice Chair of HABRI’s Board of Trustees, these recipients demonstrate exceptional creativity and compassion in programs that benefit both animals and their human families.

HABRI President Steven Feldman emphasized the importance of industry partnerships in making these awards possible, noting how they enable the organization to spotlight innovative approaches to strengthening human-animal bonds throughout society.

The awards underscore growing recognition of pets’ integral role in human health, community building, and economic development, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward more inclusive, pet-friendly environments across multiple sectors.

For complete details about award recipients and the Innovation Awards program, visit habri.org/hab-innovation-awards