Addressing Mental Health Challenges Amongst Pet Owners Experiencing Homelessness

Pets provide us with many benefits, no matter our circumstances in life. However, with these benefits also comes a significant number of unignorable challenges for those experiencing homelessness and issues relating to housing.

It’s an undeniable fact that mental health is negatively impacted by homelessness which, in turn, increases the importance of the bond between a pet and their owner. Simply ‘giving up’ a pet isn’t an option for many and certainly not a decision anyone would make lightly. For many people experiencing homelessness, their pet is their lifeline and supports them through the difficulties they are facing.

At Waggel, we believe that those experiencing homelessness should be able to remain with their pets wherever possible. Splitting up pets and owners not only increases negative effects on the mental health of owners but also on their animals. It also places additional stress on rescue shelters and rehoming programmes which currently cannot keep up with the demand of surrendered pets across the country.

The 10th of October marks World Mental Health Day and this year we want to use our platform to highlight the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and who own pets. In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the crucial role pets play in our well-being and how we can begin to break down the barriers that stop those experiencing homelessness from seeking support, resources and advice for their mental health.

Homelessness in the UK remains a critical issue, with a strong link between unstable housing and mental health problems. According to the charity Crisis, 86% of those experiencing homelessness report suffering from some form of mental health issue.

Government data also estimates that around 26,000 individuals are sleeping rough or living in temporary accommodation on any given night, with many more in hidden forms of homelessness not captured by official statistics. The combination of housing instability and limited access to healthcare often leads to a deterioration in mental well-being.

Those facing homelessness frequently experience mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The ongoing stress of living without stable shelter significantly increases the likelihood of developing anxiety and depression. Research from Mind, a leading UK mental health charity, also highlights that PTSD is common within this population, often stemming from traumatic events such as abuse or violence before or during periods of homelessness. The lack of adequate mental health support means these conditions frequently go untreated, contributing to the cycle of homelessness and declining health.

For individuals experiencing homelessness, pets can offer crucial emotional support, companionship and a sense of purpose. These animals provide unconditional love and comfort in the face of isolation, reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Pets also help foster a daily routine, as caring for an animal requires responsibility and structure, which can give many people a sense of purpose during difficult times. The bond with a pet often becomes a source of stability and emotional resilience, helping many cope with the challenges of homelessness.

Though pets offer great emotional benefits they also provide physical support by offering protection and a sense of security. For those living on the streets or in unsafe environments, having a dog or other animal can act as a deterrent to potential threats, reducing the risk of harm or theft.

Research consistently highlights the mental health benefits of pet ownership, showing that animals can significantly reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve overall mood. Studies from Mind, a leading mental health charity in the UK, have shown that interaction with pets helps reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, while increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine, chemicals that promote well-being and happiness.

In a survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, pet owners reported a marked improvement in their emotional stability, with over 70% stating that their pets helped them feel less lonely and isolated.

Pets have been linked to physical health benefits like lower blood pressure, which can be crucial for managing stress-related health conditions. Research from the University of Liverpool found that pet owners exhibited lower rates of anxiety and depression, largely due to the companionship and routine pets provide.

Pets can provide powerful motivation for individuals experiencing homelessness to seek shelter, food and medical care. Many individuals prioritise their pets' well-being over their own, driving them to find resources that ensure their animals are fed and healthy. The bond with a pet often encourages a person to access services they might otherwise avoid, such as shelters that allow animals, or food banks offering pet supplies.

In some cases, pet owners are motivated to stay in safer environments to protect their animals from harm. The responsibility of caring for a pet can often encourage individuals to seek medical attention, ensuring they remain healthy enough to look after their companion. This dynamic creates a powerful incentive for many to engage with services and supports that can improve their own and their pet's quality of life.

For many people experiencing homelessness, accessing care and support is often easier said than done. There are many challenges faced by pet owners such as lack of resources, societal stigma and limited access to mental health care that forces them to stay in difficult situations.

A major challenge for those with pets is finding shelters and services that accommodate both them and their animals. For many homeless individuals, the bond with their pets is an essential source of emotional support, making them unwilling to use shelters that don’t allow animals. This leads to increased vulnerability as individuals opt to stay on the streets rather than surrender their pets. Even services like food banks and healthcare facilities often fail to account for the needs of pet owners, further limiting access to vital care. The lack of pet-friendly options creates an additional barrier to seeking safe housing and support, reinforcing cycles of homelessness and isolation.

To address this, more inclusive services that recognise the importance of the bond between homeless individuals and their pets are essential. In the UK, several organisations and shelters are beginning to accommodate this need. Dogs Trust, for instance, runs the Hope Project, which provides veterinary care for the pets of people experiencing homelessness and advocates for pet-friendly shelters.

St Mungo’s offers pet-friendly accommodations, understanding the deep connection between individuals and their pets and StreetVet exists to provide accessible and free veterinary care for those experiencing homelessness and who own pets.

These initiatives highlight the importance of providing holistic care that considers not just the individual but their pet as well, fostering greater engagement with services and improving mental health outcomes for all.

The 10th of October marks World Mental Health Day. This day exists to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and to make sure that everyone can access the support they need.

Without adequate community support, such as access to mental health services, housing assistance and rehabilitation programmes, individuals experiencing homelessness are left vulnerable to a range of crises. Sadly, these challenges can be further exacerbated by pet ownership, which can cause many pet owners to feel isolated and unable to access support.

Communities can actively support World Mental Health Day through a variety of efforts, such as donating to mental health organisations or local services that provide resources for those in need, especially homelessness services.

Financial contributions can help expand mental health programmes, fund counselling services and provide crisis support for vulnerable groups such as pet owners experiencing homelessness and who cannot find suitable accommodation or supplies for their pets.

Volunteering is another powerful way of contributing to World Mental Health Day. For example, you could offer your time at a local organisation, helping with outreach programmes. These initiatives create a supportive environment and foster open conversations about mental health, helping to reduce stigma. Many organisations rely solely on volunteer support to run helplines, organise events and advocate for mental health policy changes, making community involvement essential in promoting mental well-being.

At Waggel, we want to ensure we’re using our platform to the best of our abilities and for this reason partner with charities that directly support pet owners regardless of their situation. Our partnership with StreetVet ensures that together we can ensure people experiencing homelessness and their pets stay together by offering free veterinary services, advocating for them and removing barriers to accessing support.

In conclusion, addressing mental health issues within homeless populations is a critical community responsibility. The complex relationship between homelessness and mental health requires a holistic approach that includes access to mental health services, pet-friendly shelters and greater community support.

Communities play a crucial role by offering resources through donations, volunteering, and advocating for inclusive services that recognise the unique needs of individuals and their pets.

At Waggel, we want to help reduce stigma, foster mental health awareness and support vulnerable populations. As a pet-loving community, we believe that together we can help break the cycle of homelessness and improve overall societal well-being through continued support and advocation.

World Mental Health Day takes place on the 10th of October every year. For information on charities working to support pet owners experiencing homelessness, see the below resources.

• StreetVet

• St. Mungos

• Street Paws

• Dogs Trust