Homeless People & Pets – What You Should Know 

Studies show that people would rather sleep on the street with their pets than go into a shelter without them. This says a lot about the bond that people have with their pets. You may be wondering why the homeless have pets. You must keep in mind that homelessness is an experience of isolation. People who are homeless typically have no support or love from family or friends. With this said, a pet can be one of the things that help them cope each day.

We all understand the benefits of having a pet. It is no different for the homeless. Pets provide protection, companionship, and love. You may wonder if homeless people can take care of their pets. A common misconception is that homeless people are careless and cannot care for their pets. We mentioned above that homeless people would rather sleep on the street with their pets than go to a shelter without them. People experiencing homelessness love their pets and will always find ways to provide for them.

Being homeless is a big challenge that someone can face. Pets can give a homeless person a sense of purpose and new hope. Research shows that having a pet decreases the use of drugs and alcohol. Animal companionship provides a sense of purpose and teaches people responsibility and accountability. In addition, having a pet to care for that cares for them in return is suitable for someone struggling with mental health issues. A person feels a stronger need to take care of themselves because they are needed to care for their pet.

The next time you see a homeless person with a pet, we encourage you to consider why they have a pet. Homeless people can feel invisible to the rest of society, and having a pet may allow them to feel seen again. To no surprise, people are more likely to socialize and acknowledge a homeless person if they have a pet with them. Also, realize that once the owner has a place to call home, so does the pet.