The perceived costs and benefits of pet ownership for homeless people in the UK: practical costs, psychological benefits and vulnerability

ABSTRACT

The authors sought to understand why many homeless people own pets despite the associated costs. Thematic analyses of interviews with seven homeless pet owners indicated that interviewees perceived—not always accurately—that their pets limited their mobility and access to services. However, this was seen as a worthwhile cost for the companionship and sense of responsibility their pets provided, which increased resilience and enabled a reduction in substance abuse. Pet ownership also rendered interviewees psychologically vulnerable as the loss of a pet was highly traumatic and ignited coping mechanisms. The authors discuss the implications for homeless support services in the United Kingdom.

KEYWORDS:

• homelessness
• pets
• psychological support
• rough sleepers
• vulnerability