Walking in Another’s Shoes

5 things I have Learned in this First Year of working with the Pets of Our Unhoused Neighbors

By Ringo

Consider for a moment taking your dog for a walk outside. (Cat people too, bring that cat out!!) You’re enjoying the sun, the fresh air, and the chance to let your pet burn off some energy.  Now, suddenly imagine that you had no “inside” to return to.  No fences, no gates, no roof, no doors. It’s just you under the sun, and your pet on a leash. 

Consider how your pet care might change; the challenges of getting groceries or a doctor visit? Where would my pet go when I am at work? How would I keep my pet warm and carry enough food?

In hindsight I can see now that I had never truly considered the very real day-to-day complexities of a pet owner who is experiencing homelessness. Having a pet while trying to navigate the conditions of homelessness certainly adds additional hardships, and some may ask why have a pet at all? In response to that, we want to offer the following observations gleaned from this first year of street clinics.  We hope to advance the understanding of pet ownership while experiencing homelessness and our advocacy on their behalf.

Not all Heroes Wear Service Harnesses

We have heard it several times at the clinics, “I would never make it without them...”  Or “They are all I have”.  Experiencing homelessness is exceedingly hard on people. Studies show that those experiencing homelessness are significantly more vulnerable to both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Further, cultural and structural barriers often lead to worsening health outcomes.  Thankfully, it is also well-known that animals significantly alleviate anxiety, reduce stress, and help combat loneliness.  In the extreme context of those experiencing homelessness, these needs are amplified.  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 have motivated them to seek healthcare. No service certification necessary. 

An Underground Rescue

There is an animal rescue operating all around us that goes largely unnoticed.  For many unhoused pet parents, the pet was with them prior to being unhoused.  However, for many others the story of how their animal came to be with them is the story of an abandoned, lost, or rescued animal. Many of the animals we see were strays or otherwise abandoned when their people took them on. Many tell stories of directly rescuing animals from neglect or abuse.  These owners have taken on the responsibility of the animals basic care and bypassed the need for the animal to go to an animal shelter. This is an overlooked and critical service that keeps those animals out of crowded and underfunded shelters. 

Love is Love is Love

When it comes down to it, a companion animal wants nothing more than to be a companion. Their parents’ income, career, or where they sleep at night, doesn’t change that.  Their bond is without the judgement that might otherwise define the pet parents existence.

The stigma surrounding unhoused pet owners exists only in our failure to truly listen to their voices. We see time and again folks who prioritize the pet’s food over their own. Studies confirm this trend. A recent large study found that animals owned by those experiencing homelessness are generally in good health, and the characteristics and common clinical conditions seen in these pets are similar to those seen in traditionally housed pets. 

Both Ends of the Leash

Lacking access to care for a pet would be a stressor for anyone.  Nobody wants to feel helpless in the face of a loved one’s pain or suffering.  However, I was not prepared to witness people physically transform over the course of a 20 minute exam. I have literally watched an invisible weight lift from shoulders of the pet parent knowing that their pet has the care they need.  I have taken this phrase, “Both Ends of the Leash” from one of our partners, The Street Dog Coalition who emphasizes that the care of a pet is also the care of the pet parent. This follows traditional psychological principles such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which suggests that having health concerns met, then motivates an individual to focus on other critical needs.  

Who’s a Good Boy?

While many people note that their companion animal provides protection, I am happy to report that you won’t find a more well-behaved, socialized group of pets anywhere.  One reason for this may be that they often live around other pets, people, and often strangers 24/7.  I can confirm that they are often the kindest of the kindest pets.

It takes a Village

It is not uncommon for multiple individuals to come up to us during clinics to inform us of animals that they know of that need help, or to let us know that so-and-so got a new cat, or to take pet food to a friend, or go and get other people who they know have pets that need to be seen.  Often, we would have 4 or 5 folks over the course of multiple clinics ask about the same dog.  The realities of recidivism or hospitalization often require that pets have multiple caretakers, in some cases we have two or three different folks bring the same animal for treatment while in communication with the owner. Watching folks show up for one another is a remarkable demonstration of what a resilient community can look like.