The Impact of Pet Ownership on Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

The objective of this research was to understand the effect pet ownership on healthcare-seeking behavior among persons experiencing homelessness with animals. Mixed-method, semi-structured interviews were conducted 44 people animals in Seattle, Washington collect stories barriers and facilitators due animal ownership, health-seeking behaviors for themselves their animals, self-assessed health status conditions owners pets. also explored ways which participants would like receive healthcare services Quantitative results showed that medical care sourced pets exceeded owner’s own health, 86% seeking within past year 93% veterinary year. Results displayed self-described faring better than owner, 47% reported being “Healthy” or “Very healthy” compared 90% as same. Themes emerging from qualitative included place a high value welfare pets, can pose barrier traditional access overall services, need companionship support is high. These findings suggest utilizing human–animal bond creating integrated (human animal), interprofessional using One Health approach unhoused populations owning reduce improve both human health. In an clinic setting, owner may seek but stay healthcare.