Citation

Cleary M, Visentin D, Thapa DK, West S, Raeburn T, Kornhaber R. Adm. Policy Ment. Health 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 5052, Alexandria, Sydney, NSW, 2015, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10488-019-00967-6

PMID

31456130

Abstract

Research indicates a strong bond between those who are homeless and their companion animals. This relationship provides a number of benefits to the homeless person as well as to the animal, including safety, responsibility and improved emotional and mental health. However, the relationship can also add challenges, including decreased access to accommodation, decreased effort to find shelter as a consequence, and emotional vulnerability relating to fear of losing their companion pet. This integrative review examined the benefits and challenges of companion animals for the homeless to determine the consistency of findings to aid better service delivery to the homeless population.

Language: en

Keywords

Animal relationships; Attachment; Companion animal bond; Homeless persons; Integrative review