Why Do Homeless People Have Pets if They Can’t Take Care of Themselves?

pets of homeless people

It’s a familiar sight: a dog sitting next to a homeless person on the street, quietly waiting just the same as his owner for passersby to take notice. It’s a heart-wrenching sight. But often our eyes wander more to the pet than the person. We may wonder how well that pet is being cared for, without a stable home to return to each night.

The owners of these pets probably have poor hygiene, and may look malnourished. Are these pets just as dirty, uncomfortable, and hungry?

The idea of a pet suffering generates sympathy and sometimes even anger. It’s common and understandable for passersby to look at the pets of homeless people and have these concerns and feelings. Consider their implications, though. Why does the sight of these pets make us angry and sad? Is it because we feel these pets did nothing to deserve the life they are living; that it is unfair to put them in a position of suffering?

Why don’t we feel the same sentiments for their human owners?

If we can recognize that no being, human or animal, deserves to suffer, we can better grasp why a homeless person would choose to have a pet. The truth is, both owner and pet are better for having each other as companions. Being together comes with many benefits for both, which actually work to decrease suffering and instill hope and healing, even while continuing to live on the streets.

Below are just a few of the ways homeless humans and pets enhance each other’s lives.

They Provide a Sense of Companionship

As any pet owner can attest to, having a pet by your side creates a bond like no other. That sense of friendship goes a long way toward improving someone’s mood, outlook, and level of hope. Having a pet increases happiness, and that can be proven through science. Bonding with a pet boosts feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins. These hormones promote a sense of general well-being and comfort.

Taking care of an animal has proven health benefits like lowering blood pressure and easing anxiety and depression. This is why pet therapy is so effective. For those with chronic mental health or addiction issues, which homeless people are more likely to have, the benefits of animal companionship are even more pronounced. In these cases, a pet and all the benefits that come with it can literally mean the difference between life and death.

They Provide a Sense of Normalcy

The ability to have a pet is something most of us take for granted. Homeless pet owners may have had pets before becoming homeless. Or perhaps it’s something they always wanted to do, and now find taking care of a pet is one of the only things they can do just as well whether homeless or not.

Something all people need is a sense of routine. People tend to be happier and healthier when their days have structure. Pet ownership provides that through the need to exercise, feed, and clean up after a pet. It’s these mundane, everyday tasks that help normalize the lives of homeless people, who may otherwise lack daily structure.

Pets Keep Homeless People from Feeling Isolated and Invisible

Having a close bond with a pet is important not only for a sense of companionship, but also for the simple recognition and sense of worth it provides the owner. Pets may not have many facial expressions, but anyone can recognize the loving gaze of a dog. It’s a look that says, “I see you, and I love you. You are important to me.”

A homeless person may be passed by dozens of people who don’t spare so much as a glance. This lack of eye contact is dehumanizing. It makes one feel they are invisible, and over time, people start to act according to how they view themselves. This can further lead to loss of hope and maybe even disconnect from reality.

Communication from pets in the form of eye contact, barks, purrs, and cuddles may be more restorative than anything else. It keeps people grounded. It tells homeless people they are visible – and loved.

Pets Drive Motivation and a Sense of Purpose

As stated above, when a bond is created and an owner loves and cares for their pet, they want to give that pet the best life possible. This desire to care for another can be an even more powerful motivator than caring for oneself. Many find that they care more about their pet’s comfort than they do their own. They spend the money they make panhandling on food for their pet or food they share with their pet.

Pet ownership can also give someone the push they need to go that extra mile or think more creatively about how to solve their problems. It encourages good decision-making, knowing that if they make a wrong choice such as relapsing, it could mean losing a pet or jeopardizing its health. This push could be all the motivation somebody needs to finally escape homelessness.

A Win-Win for Everybody

The benefits of pet ownership for homeless people are becoming well-known enough for lawmakers to take notice. In 2018, California set aside $5 million just for shelters providing food and veterinary care for pets of homeless people. Many people who are homeless fear their animals will be taken away. But more and more, they are actually being encouraged to keep their pets.

By better understanding the benefits homeless owners and their pets receive, we can be more compassionate when we see them. Disheveled though they may be, both love and care for each other as best they can in an unjust situation. It’s our responsibility to make eye contact with homeless people and perhaps help them not have to rely solely on their pets to avoid isolation and invisibility. Instead of worrying about the welfare of the pet, we can instead use our concern to advocate for both pet and owner.


Victoria VanTol

Victoria VanTol

  

Victoria VanTol holds a master's degree in social work. She is a therapist and freelance writer specializing in topics related to social justice and mental health.

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