Homeless Women's Voices on Incorporating Companion Animals into Shelter Services

Abstract

The literature examining the relationship between homeless individuals and companion animals is scarce. To date there are only five published studies, none of which explore this issue within a Canadian context or from the perspectives of women living in homeless shelters. The benefits of companion animals with respect to enhancing the psychological and physiological well-being of their owners have been well documented. This paper examines the nature of animal caretaking among female, homeless shelter residents in Canada. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 women from homeless shelters located in six urban centers across Canada (Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver) and two key informant interviews with homeless shelter administrators who facilitated space for animal companions. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis techniques. Homeless women described being comforted by companion animals and the pain of being forced to relinquish them. Most pet owners reported having to surrender a pet. Eight themes emerged regarding the role animals played in the lives of homeless women: (a) providing companionship, (b) unconditional acceptance, (c) providing comfort, (d) providing a sense of responsibility, (e) the health and therapeutic values of companion animals, (f) providing a sense of safety, (g) loss, as well as (h) empathy towards the homeless women sharing shelter space who may not share the affinity for animals or may have health consequences such as allergies. The majority of women supported shelter inclusion of companion animals, many suggesting a designated space for the animals that would accommodate the needs of those shelter residents who are allergic to, or fearful of animals, for example. Vulnerable women who are homeless recognize the therapeutic value of companion animals. Homeless shelters should consider the need to provide space to accommodate the animal companions of homeless individuals.

Pet Ownership Among Homeless Youth: Associations with Mental Health, Service Utilization and Housing Status

“…A study of 51 homeless persons in the United Kingdom found that dog-owning homeless respondents were less likely to use medical care facilities than those without dogs [19]. In Canada, qualitative interviews with female shelter residents revealed that most pet owners reported that they had to relinquish a pet because of the inability of most shelters to accommodate animals [20]. More than 93% of 66 homeless pet owners seeking veterinary care in Northern California reported that they would never accept a housing situation if their pets were not allowed [21].…”

Profiling a one-health model for priority populations

“…This population is often comprised of youth, those struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues, and individuals fleeing domestic violence. [1][2][3][4] They are commonly socially isolated and experience a significant lack of accessibility to health services such as preventive medical care, and dental care. 5,6 It is estimated that between 6% and 24% of homeless persons are pet-owners.…”

“…5 Health accessibility can be especially problematic for this population because they are more likely to forego their own needs to care for their pet(s). 2,5,[7][8][9][10] For example, compared to the general homeless population, homeless petowners are less likely to access shelter, health care and social services because they cannot do so with their pets. 2,5,8,11 Homeless pet-owners typically share an incredibly strong bond with their pets.…”

“…11,12 This bond can be a potent motivator of healthrelated behaviour change. 2,5,9,11,13 For instance, pet-owners have been found to be more motivated to quit smoking once they understand the impact of second-hand smoke on their pets. 13 In other cases, individuals have ceased substance abuse, or begun seeking medical treatment for chronic illness, because of the responsibility they felt towards their animals.…”

Continuing Bonds Research with Animal Companions: Implications for Men Grieving the Loss of a Dog

“…Research has demonstrated that for humans, pets provide companionship, protection, non-judgmental acceptance (Labrecque and Walsh 2011), increased quality of life (Peacock et al 2012), reduction of mental distress (Aydin et al 2012), accelerated adaption to traumatic events (Wolfe 1977;Aydin et al 2012) as well as love and nurturance (Garrity et al 1989;Zasloff and Kidd 1994). It has been suggested that transitional objects help children feel confident and protected without their primary attachment figure or parents, thus empowering them to transfer their affections from parents to others (Barba 1991).…”