The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) supports research that furthers the current understanding of the human-animal bond via several rounds of pump-priming awards. These awards provide funding of up to £10,000 for 12-month projects that are aligned with SCAS objectives and clearly demonstrate how funding will enable development of ongoing research. Depending on resources available, calls are issued in every other year.

HABRI calls for research proposals on an annual basis to investigate the health outcomes of pet ownership and/or animal-assisted activity or therapy, both for the people and the animals involved. HABRI is interested in proposals that involve a variety of pet species (i.e. dogs, cats, fish, reptiles, small animals). Proposals should focus on innovative approaches to studying the health effects of animals on humans within the following broad categories: Child Health and Development, Healthy Aging and Mental Health and Wellness.

For over 40 years, Waltham has supported research from around the world which aims to understand, advance and share knowledge about the relationship between humans and companion animals. Waltham funded research has explored the role of pets in child development, society, educational settings, human aging and many different clinical applications (e.g., obesity, autism). 

Purina aims to encourage high-quality scientific studies that lead to a better understanding of the bond between people and dogs or cats. The Purina Sponsorship for Human-animal Bond Studies provides research funding to worldwide applicants affiliated with (but not limited to) universities, foundations, charities, and NGOs.

NICHD, part of the National Institutes of Health, encourages HAI research, especially as it relates to child development, health, and the therapeutic use of animals with children and adolescents. Other institutes within NIH may have a different focus. For more information on NICHD’s HAI research program, and wider HAI funding opportunities in other National Institutes of Health, email Layla Esposito at espositl@mail.nih.gov

HHRF supports research across disciplines exploring the multifaceted relationship between equids and humans.