Support for veterinarians and human animal interactions research grants

Ellie May and Chiana share a bed.

Most dog bites are preventable, with dogs typically giving plenty of warning before biting humans. One of the messages that Dr Sophia Yin was trying to get out there is that we can learn to pick up those cues. Check out this collaboration between here and canine-cartoonist Lili Chin (illustrator of this SAT’s amazing logo).

In honour of Dr Yin, the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) has scheduled a special rounds entitled “Dealing with Your and Your Colleague’s Stress and Depression.”

The session will be introduced by long-time advisor, mentor and friend to Dr Yin, Dr Jim Wilson DVM JD. It will then be lead by Susan Cohen DSW, a social worker and therapist at the Animal Medical Centre in Manhattan, NY.

To attend, log in to VIN, hit ROUNDS and click on ATTEND THIS SESSION.

Close up.

On this theme, Auburn University in the US is running a survey in collaboration with VIN and the CDC on the mental health needs of vets. It takes about ten minutes, click here to do the survey.

If you’re working in the area of human animal interactions, the Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) is looking for projects to fund.  

Addressing Evidence-based Health Benefits of Human-Animal InteractionDeadline: December 1, 2014, by 11:59 p.m. ESTThe Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) Foundation is calling for research proposals 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

• Mental Health and Wellness

HABRI is a nonprofit organization that seeks to demonstrate that our relationship with pets and animals makes the world a better place by significantly improving human health and quality of life. HABRI does this by advancing the growing body of evidence about the positive roles that companion animals play in the integrated health of individuals, families and communities.Application, review and oversight of HABRI research awards will be managed by Morris Animal Foundation. Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invests in science to advance animal health. The Foundation is a global leader in funding scientific studies for companion animals, horses and wildlife.To access information regarding this call for proposals, please click hereFor more information about HABRI, please visit www.habri.org.

Finally given the very sad news this week I am extending entries for our Australian Museum talk competition. Folks, you now have until October 7 to get those entries in. See here.