Strengthening the Remarkable Bond Between
Humans and Animals

The partnership between humans and animals began in the Stone Age, as far back as 9,000 years. Today, 67 percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet.

Animals add love and companionship to our daily lives. They can also have extraordinary physical and mental health benefits for humans, particularly in the areas of child development, elderly care, mental illness, physical impairment, abuse and addiction recovery, and the rehabilitation of incarcerated youth and adults.

Unfortunately, about 6.5 million animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide each year. Only about half are adopted, and a quarter are euthanized.

We support organizations that promote animal welfare and provide training for service dogs. We also partner with nonprofits who use the power of the animal-human connection in therapeutic settings to improve lives. This includes equine therapy programs, for example, to help heal adults and children with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities.