Mental Health, Unhoused People and Their Pets

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month?  


“Mental Health Awareness Month takes place across Canada in May every year. During this month, Canadians can learn about mental illnesses and how they affect people’s lives in different ways. In addition, the public can learn more about how to reduce the stigma around mental illnesses.“

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act


In one year, 1 out of 5 Canadians will personally experience a mental health condition and when Canadians are 40 years old, around 50% of the population will be currently experiencing or have experienced a mental health illness (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2021). Mental health affects people of all ages, education, income levels and cultures. However, systemic disparities such as gender-based violence, racism, poverty, and homelessness can exacerbate mental health conditions.

 

Why is it important to talk about mental health and people experiencing homelessness?

 

According to a University of Calgary study released in 2024, they found that 67% of individuals experiencing homelessness had a mental health issue, while 75% had experienced a mental health issue at some point in their life. The study also found that the prevalence of mental health issues was higher in men than women (86% to 69%). Mental health issues may lead to homelessness or homelessness may be a stressor or trigger that contributes to worsening mental health conditions (Psychiatric Association, 2024).

 

Other factors that may affect a person being homeless include:

  • Lack of stable housing

  • Lack of affordable housing

  • Financial pressures

  • Inequities- 29.5% of Indigenous households were nearly three times as likely to have experienced homelessness when compared with the total population

  • Survivors of abuse who have nowhere else to go (women and girls are 2/3rd of victims of abuse)

  • Health conditions including mental health issues

  • Waiting for a new home or relocation

Statistics Canada, 2023

 

 

What about unhoused people with pets?


According to a University of Guelph, ASPCA, and Community Veterinary Outreach study on unhoused people with pets, they found that of people experiencing homelessness each night, around 8 to 19% are pet owners. The study also found that low-income, vulnerable, or unhoused people with pets have pets that are in very good health- and in some cases- healthier- than those seen in private veterinary practices. Pets provide companionship and emotional support, especially to those who are struggling.

How can pets help mental health?

  • Decrease stress levels

  • Reduce anxiety

  • Provide companionship

  • Boost and build self-confidence

  • Decrease a sense of feeling isolated

  • Build social skills

  • Add structure and routine to a person’s day around their animal’s basic needs

  • Provide a sense of calm if a person is feeling overwhelmed

    Mental Health Foundation, 2023

The stigmas, discriminations, and misconceptions around low-income, vulnerable, and unhoused people and their pets only further the barriers that these underserved communities have to overcome to access veterinary care and mental health support systems.

Supports, resources, and solutions are needed for those experiencing homelessness with mental health issues- to prevent them (and their pets) from experiencing homelessness in the first place.

 

Mental health issues affect so many of us at different points in our lives, just some of us have more access to support than others

 

Do you work with people and pets? Then, take our Companion Animal Housing Initiative Survey to help WFA design training for people who work with vulnerable and unhoused populations with pets.

Sources:

Ruby Leslie