Services and interventions for people who are homeless with companion animals (pets): a systematic review

Abstract

Many people who are homeless own a companion animal (a “pet”). For people who are homeless, pet ownership has a range of benefits. However, it may also limit a person’s access to services and interventions, and so complicate or even prolong their homelessness. “Pet-friendly” services/interventions – which preserve the relationship between people who are homeless and their pets, whilst also meeting their unique needs – are important. Currently, however, there is limited knowledge about what services/interventions exist for people who are homeless with pets, the impact of these, and how they can be implemented in practice. This systematic review was undertaken to address these gaps. It was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Eleven academic journal articles were selected for inclusion. The review identified four key services/interventions which may benefit people who are homeless with pets – pet-friendly accommodation, free veterinary care, free pet food, and foster care/ boarding – in addition to a number of “other” related services/interventions. It identified multiple challenges associated with delivering these services/interventions in practice. None of the studies offered rigorous evaluations – and, therefore, evidence – about “what works.” Further research is essential to identify the most effective and cost-effective approaches.