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Supporting People Through the Human-Animal Bond: Brave Tails Opens a New Chapter for Royal Canin Foundation in the Philippines

The Philippine Human-Animal Bond Institute (PHABI), the non-profit organization behind Communitails, has been awarded a grant from the Royal Canin Foundation to advance Brave Tails, a pioneering animal-assisted services program supporting trauma survivors and their care providers in the Philippines, marking the first time a Philippine and Southeast Asian initiative has been selected for support by the Global Foundation.
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The grant represents a significant step in strengthening trauma-informed care approaches in the country, where survivors of abuse and exploitation often face long-term psychosocial challenges, compounded by limited access to mental health support. Through structured interactions with trained therapy dogs, Brave Tails is intended to provide a safe and supportive environment that may complement broader support for participants and their care providers.

To deepen public understanding of the initiative and the positive role pets can play in human health and welfare, Royal Canin Philippines hosted an event under the theme “In Good Company with Communitails” at the Royal Canin Educational Hub. The engagement brought together media, advocates, and partners to explore the Royal Canin Foundation’s mission, Brave Tails’ planned implementation, and the responsible practices guiding animal-assisted services.

Addressing a critical need through the human-animal bond

In the Philippines, survivors of trauma and their networks of care often face complex emotional and psychological burdens. Care providers and frontline workers are likewise at risk of burnout and secondary trauma.

Brave Tails, implemented through Communitails, responds to this need by advancing trauma-informed animal-assisted services, harnessing the human-animal bond to support recovery and resilience for both survivors and those who care for them.
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Brave Tails is being developed around trained Human Animal Teams composed of therapy dogs and the human professionals who work alongside them. Guided by trauma-informed principles, the initiative incorporates preparation, screening, consent processes, participant safety measures, and animal-welfare safeguards designed to support responsible implementation.

“What we’re building through Brave Tails is not simply a series of interactions between people and dogs. It’s a structured, trauma-informed approach designed around trained Human Animal Teams, participant safety, informed consent, and animal welfare. Through the Foundation’s support, we’re able to strengthen this work thoughtfully and responsibly.” — Dr. Ginger Ramirez, Philippine Human-Animal Bond Institute (PHABI) Co-Founder

Through its partnership with The Paper Project, Inc., an organization that works closely with communities affected by trauma and adversity, Communitails is also drawing from on-the-ground insights to help ensure Brave Tails is responsive to the needs of the people it intends to support.

“The people and communities we work with come with different experiences, needs, and levels of comfort. That’s why support needs to be grounded in safety, consent, choice, and appropriate preparation. What stands out about Brave Tails is its commitment to combining compassion with structure, ensuring that both people and animals are supported responsibly throughout the experience.” — Atty. Lawrence Aritao, The Paper Project, Inc. Co-Founder

A global foundation supporting impact-driven initiatives

The Royal Canin Foundation supports initiatives worldwide that highlight the positive role of cats and dogs in human health and welfare and initiatives that support the work of search and rescue dogs. Each year, the Foundation selects and funds new projects aligned with its focus areas, following a rigorous evaluation and review process that assesses impact, feasibility, sustainability and pet welfare.

In 2026, the Foundation continues to expand its global reach by backing initiatives that address diverse human health needs, including programs supporting war-affected communities in Ukraine, therapeutic interventions for elderly care in Spain, and cat therapy for hospitalized children in Italy.

The inclusion of Brave Tails places the Philippines alongside these global initiatives, reflecting the growing recognition of animal-assisted approaches in supporting human health and well-being.

As the first initiative from both the Philippines and Southeast Asia to receive grant support from the Global Foundation, Brave Tails represents an important milestone for locally led, expert-driven approaches that explore the positive role of pets in human health and welfare. The Royal Canin Foundation’s support is intended to enable Communitails to develop the initiative through its local expertise, relationships, and understanding of the communities and care settings involved.

Enabling impact at scale

Through the Foundation grant, PHABI will expand Brave Tails to reach more survivors and care providers, strengthen its trauma-informed animal-assisted services, and advance sustainable, evidence-based approaches to support well-being in the Philippines.

The grant further reinforces the ongoing collaboration between Royal Canin Philippines and Communitails, grounded in a shared commitment to advancing responsible pet care, community well-being, and education on the role of pets in society. Previous initiatives have included outreach and advocacy efforts such as storybook reading programs and community education initiatives that promote empathy and responsible pet ownership.
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Since receiving Global Foundation support, Communitails has continued preparations for Brave Tails through program planning, partner engagement, Human Animal Team development, and capability-building activities designed to support responsible implementation. The initiative also intends to document its experiences and learnings throughout the two-year period to help strengthen local capability and contribute to a more informed understanding of animal-assisted services in the Philippines.

As discussed during the “In Good Company with Communitails” engagement in October, participating dogs are viewed as members of trained Human Animal Teams, with safeguards designed to support their health, comfort, rest, and overall well-being throughout their involvement.
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“What stood out throughout today’s conversations is that meaningful impact requires both compassion and structure. Brave Tails brings together expert implementation, responsible animal welfare, and strong community partnerships in a way that reflects what the Royal Canin Foundation hopes to support around the world. We’re proud to help enable work that benefits people while ensuring the well-being of pets remains at the center.” — Gerard Poa, Royal Canin Philippines Country Head

Advancing a shared purpose

Together, the Royal Canin Foundation, Communitails, Paper Project, and their partners remain committed to advancing responsible approaches that strengthen both human and animal well-being.

Through Brave Tails, the organizations aim to support people through the human-animal bond while promoting responsible care for participating animals, strengthening local capability, and contributing to greater understanding of animal-assisted services over time. By investing in expert-led local initiatives, the Foundation helps create opportunities for positive and sustainable impact for people and pets alike.

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ABOUT THE ROYAL CANIN FOUNDATION

The Royal Canin Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2020 in France supporting initiatives that highlight the positive role of pets in human health. It operates globally by providing funding to innovative, expert-led, local initiatives where specially trained cats and dogs play an essential role in improving and protecting human lives. Learn more about the foundation on royalcaninfoundation.org.

ABOUT ROYAL CANIN

ROYAL CANIN® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, ROYAL CANIN® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.

Over the years, ROYAL CANIN® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet’s age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs.

ROYAL CANIN® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.

To learn more about ROYAL CANIN®, visit www.royalcanin.com

For more information about Royal Canin Philippines, visit www.royalcanin.com/ph and social media pages:
ABOUT PHABI (PHILIPPINE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND INSTITUTE) / COMMUNITAILS

The Philippine Human-Animal Bond Institute (PHABI), popularly known as Communitails, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the human-animal bond through education, advocacy, research, and community engagement. PHABI promotes the positive impact of animals on human health, well-being, and social development while championing responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and animal-assisted interventions.

Through conferences, training programs, community initiatives, and strategic partnerships, PHABI brings together professionals, advocates, educators, healthcare practitioners, and animal welfare organizations to foster healing connections between humans and animals. Its flagship initiatives, including the Philippine Human-Animal Bond Conference (PHABCon), serve as platforms for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation to strengthen      the role of animals in creating healthier and more compassionate communities.


For more information, visit PHABI's official social media channels or contact the organization through its official communication platforms. 

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