Prevalence of pet provision and reasons for including or excluding animals by homelessness accommodation services. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scanlon, Louise; McBride, Anne; Stavisky, Jenny
• Is Part Of: Journal of social distress and the homeless. Volume 30:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Homelessness -- pets -- human-animal bond -- human-animal interaction -- dogs; Social problems -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Stress (Psychology) -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Homelessness -- Periodicals; 362.505
• DOI: 10.1080/10530789.2020.1754602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1573-658X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Pets provide companionship and social facilitation among excluded populations, including homeless people. However, having a pet may restrict access to services, including accommodation. The aims of this study were to assess pet provision among homelessness accommodation providers, and to assess reasons for pet provision or exclusion. An online survey consisting of multiple choice questions and free text boxes was distributed to a UK-wide sampling frame of homelessness service providers in July 2016. Of 523 contacts, 117 replied (response rate 22.4%). Of the respondents, 36.8% (43/117) provided services to pets. In contrast, 76.9% (90/117) reported having requests to accommodate pets. Common reasons for choosing to accept pets included perceived benefit to the owner (36/43, 83.7%) or animal (25/43, 58.1%). Most organizations which allowed pets (35/43, 81.4%) had a policy to ensure the animals' welfare and restrict damage or nuisance. Of the 74 organizations which did not allow pets, health and safety of staff and other residents were the most common concerns. This study shows that demand for pet-friendly accommodation for homeless people far outstrips supply. In view of the important role that pets play for these vulnerable people, homelessness service providers should be encouraged and assisted to accommodate pets where feasible.