Homeless People and Their Dogs: Exploring the Nature and Impact of the Human–Companion Animal Bond

Homelessness is a pervasive social issue worldwide. In the UK, it currently estimated that one in two hundred people are homeless, approximating 0.5% of population. Pet ownership among this group thought to be commonplace and has been linked with range human health benefits. These include amelioration loneliness, isolation depression reduction suicidal thoughts, substance misuse criminal activity. However, pet also suggested perpetuate homelessness by restricting access support services, especially housing. This study aimed explore nature Human–Companion Animal Bond (H-CAB) between UK homeless owners their dogs, document implications bond for welfare both parties. Twenty or vulnerably housed dog were recruited participate semi-structured interviews consisting open closed questions. recorded, transcribed subjected thematic analysis. Major emergent themes included participants’ descriptions pets as kin; responsibility they felt towards pet; anticipatory grief when contemplating future without companion animal. Importantly, analysis suggests importance mutual rescue narrative, whereby had rescued dogs from negative situation, vice-versa. participants described being refused frequently on account desire not relinquish pet. Indeed, given description family members, expressed frustration relationship was considered worthy preservation services. highlighted some important features H-CAB previously characterized UK. It highlights empowering services accept where feasible, thus preserve enhance benefits vulnerable