Loneliness is a growing public health epidemic worldwide. In fact, researchers from Brigham Young University found that loneliness has been shown to be as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

Research from the National Institutes of Health reveals human-animal interaction can help facilitate social interactions and decrease loneliness.

Recognizing the potential of pets to make a difference, the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute and Mars Petcare convened the first-ever Summit on Social Isolation and Companion Animals to engage healthcare decision-makers in conversation about the role human-animal interaction may play in addressing loneliness and social isolation among vulnerable populations.

Mars Petcare engaged Edelman to help raise awareness of human-animal interaction as a potential evidence-based solution for the loneliness epidemic.

First, we conducted a market research survey of 2,000 Americans, to find that 85 percent of respondents believe human-animal interaction can help reduce loneliness. We leveraged results as the impetus for the first-ever Summit on Social Isolation and Companion Animals.

The Summit, which was led by human-animal interaction and public health experts, ignited a national media conversation about the potential for human-animal interaction in addressing social isolation—effectively positioning Mars Petcare as a credible partner in addressing society’s biggest challenges.