Pet ownership and homelessness: a scoping review

A Multilevel Intervention Framework for Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness with Pets

“…Moreover, pets have been linked to greater social support and capital, community integration, and physical activity in the general population, which results from more time spent out in one’s neighborhood with pets [ 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]. Although some of these impacts have not yet been investigated in the homeless population, there is clear evidence that pets can have both positive and negative health effects on their owners [ 32 ]. Accordingly, by recognizing this interplay between animal and human health, which is further shaped by living without a home in an often uncertain and unsafe environment, the One Health model enables a more comprehensive understanding of the drivers of health for pet owners experiencing homelessness [ 56 ].…”

“…Aligned with a health equity approach, actions are needed at the policy level to remove barriers to accessing housing and emergency shelter for pet owners experiencing homelessness. Beginning with the latter, emergency shelter policies that prohibit pets are a prominent barrier to accessing temporary accommodation and accompanying health and social services [ 25 , 32 ]. Because of this, pet owners are more likely to sleep outdoors, in vehicles, or in derelict buildings [ 25 , 28 ]; living arrangements that are associated with higher mortality rates than sheltered homelessness [ 20 ].…”

“…Although pet ownership and homelessness is a niche area of research, the issue has attracted considerably more attention in the media and public discourse. For example, two recent reviews identified fewer than 20 relevant studies on the subject [ 31 , 32 ], whereas searches of “homeless pet owners” on Google News and Twitter (within last year only) yielded more than 100,000 and 150 hits, respectively. The internet search results would suggest that the issue has an attentive public audience that could be potentially leveraged in public awareness initiatives aimed at dispelling myths associated with pet ownership and homelessness.…”

“…Furthermore, pet owners experiencing homelessness can develop and build self-care skills derived from caring for dependent animals. For example, people experiencing homelessness report making changes toward heathier behaviors, such as reducing substance use, to better care for their pets and prevent separation [ 31 , 32 ]. Accordingly, service providers can build the capacities of people experiencing homelessness with pets by recognizing and leveraging their strengths in treatment and care, including personal capabilities and skills developed as pet owners.…”

“…People can develop strong attachments with their pets that yield psychosocial benefits [ 29 , 30 ]. This is also true for people experiencing homelessness who have pets [ 31 , 32 ]. Studies have shown that people experiencing homelessness report that their pets provide a sense of responsibility and are a reason to live, reduce substance use, and seek healthcare [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”