The Philippine Human‑Animal Bond Institute (PHABI), the nonprofit behind Communitails, has been awarded funding from the Royal Canin Foundation to scale Brave Tails — a pioneering program using animal‑assisted services to support trauma survivors and their care providers across the Philippines. This marks the first time a Philippine or Southeast Asian initiative has been selected for support by the global Foundation.
The grant will strengthen trauma‑informed care nationwide, addressing a critical gap: survivors of abuse or exploitation often face long‑term psychological struggles, while frontline responders and care teams are highly vulnerable to burnout and secondary trauma. Through guided interactions with professionally trained therapy animals, Brave Tails creates safe, calming spaces to foster recovery, resilience, and well‑being.
Healing Built On Connection
Brave Tails operates on the powerful principle of mutual healing — benefiting survivors, caregivers, therapy animals, and their handlers alike.
“By nurturing care for animals, ourselves, and others, we build emotionally safe and brave spaces that restore trust, belonging, and purpose,” shared Rohani Navarro, President of PHABI. “Every participant grows stronger through this bond.”
Global Recognition For Local Impact
The Royal Canin Foundation funds projects worldwide that demonstrate how dogs and cats improve human health and well‑being — alongside programs supporting search‑and‑rescue animals. Selected proposals undergo rigorous review based on impact, feasibility, sustainability, and animal welfare standards.
This year’s grantees also include mental health support in Ukraine, elderly care programs in Spain, and pediatric therapy in Italy — placing the Philippines firmly on the global map of innovative human‑animal interventions.
“We invest in work that clearly shows how pets transform lives — especially in sensitive or challenging settings,” said Carlos Andres‑Luna, President of the Royal Canin Foundation. “Brave Tails is an outstanding model of what is possible.”
Expanding Reach And Quality Care
With this support, PHABI will broaden access to Brave Tails, enhance training standards, and develop evidence‑based practices that can be replicated across the country. The work builds on years of Communitails’ leadership in integrating animal‑assisted approaches into healthcare, education, and community services — always prioritizing ethical animal care alongside human wellness.
This award deepens an existing partnership between Royal Canin Philippines and Communitails, rooted in shared goals: responsible pet ownership, stronger communities, and broader understanding of animals’ role in society. Previous joint efforts included reading programs and public education campaigns promoting empathy and welfare.
“Seeing a homegrown Philippine project recognized globally makes us incredibly proud,” noted Gerard Poa, Market Head of Royal Canin Philippines. “This partnership shows what we can achieve when we care for people and animals together.”
Shared Vision, Greater Good
Together, the Royal Canin Foundation and its partners aim to expand knowledge of the human‑animal bond and its benefits for all living beings. By investing in programs like Brave Tails, they help build healthier, more resilient communities — one healing connection at a time.
