Steven Feldman: Championing the Human-Animal Bond and Inspiring a Pet-Friendly Future
How HABRI’s President and WPA’s Pawsitive Impact Award recipient shapes the pet industry through research, advocacy and collaboration.
We’re launching a new series, WPA Visionaries: Leadership & Advice, spotlighting our board members and award recipients who are changing the future of pet care. We’re proud to focus this first blog on Steven Feldman. As president of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), he earned the Pawsitive Impact Award for his extraordinary contributions to pets and the pet industry. Steven’s inspiring story is a powerful reminder of why our industry matters.
The Impact of Steven Feldman’s Leadership
Steven describes the award as recognition for HABRI and the entire pet care community. HABRI is a nonprofit mental, physical and social benefits of the human-animal bond. HABRI provides the science to prove it. This research drives change from influencing policy to shaping consumer behavior, ensuring pets are recognized as essential to human well-being.
The Science Behind the Bond
HABRI’s research reveals compelling benefits:
- Mental Health: Pets offer comfort and reduce stress, a claim especially supported by evidence of human-animal companionship during the pandemic.
- Physical Health: Pet owners are healthier and use healthcare services less often. HABRI estimates a $22.7 billion annual savings to the U.S. healthcaresystem thanks to pet ownership.
- Social Benefits: Pets connect us to each other and strengthen communities. These findings inspire everyday-individuals, pet retailers, organizations like WPA and even the government to invest in pet care.
Driving Policy and Advocacy
HABRI hosts Pet Night on Capitol Hill to unite the pet care community and engage policymakers. Current efforts include the People and Animals Well-Being Act (PAW Act), which would allow pet owners to use health savings accounts for veterinary care. HABRI also supports housing policies that make it easier for people to keep pets in rentals. Steven’s vision is clear: “When everyone who wants a pet can have one and everyone who has a pet can care for them where they live, work and play — that’s success.”
Collaboration and Leadership
Steven calls collaboration HABRI’s superpower. By partnering with organizations like WPA and engaging leaders across the industry, HABRI amplifies its message. Events like SUPERZOO and the Pet Industry Leadership Summit help arm professionals with data and insights to carry the message forward: pets matter for health, happiness and society.
Advice for Future Leaders in the Pet Industry
Steven urges the next generation to think broadly and get involved in industry associations. “You are the messenger, the expert. Find a way to make a difference in other people’s lives.”
This aligns with WPA’s mission to unite the pet community and advance the industry through collaboration and education. Leaders like Steven inspire us to aim higher and do more.
Join the Movement
Steven Feldman’s leadership shows what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Together, we can create a future where every pet is cared for, every person who wants a pet can have one and communities are stronger because of it. Congratulations, Steven!
Join us in celebrating Steven Feldman and learn more about WPA’s mission to unite the pet community: https://www.worldpetassociation.org/about-wpa/who-we-are/