Abstract
ABSTRACT Objectives: To examine pet ownership among unsheltered homeless adults. Methods: Surveys collected as part of the Los Angeles County (LAC) annual homeless count across three years were analyzed. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, participants completed 4,808, 4,815, and 4,259 eligible surveys, respectively. Weighted averages were used to be representative of LAC’s unsheltered population. Results: Estimates of pet ownership among unsheltered homeless adults were 12% in 2017 and 2019, and 9% in 2018. Among pet owners in 2017, 48% (n = 1,362) reported being turned away from shelter because of pet policies. Conclusions: Pet ownership represents a major obstacle to accessing shelter among unsheltered homeless adults. Policy Implications : More pet-friendly policies are needed to effectively serve many unsheltered homeless adults. Summary Box What is the current understanding of this subject? Little is known about the unsheltered homeless population including rates of pet ownership. What does this report add to the literature? This study is the first to provide estimates of pet ownership in a large sample of unsheltered adults. What are the implications for public health practice? The findings from this study suggest that pet ownership represents a major obstacle to accessing shelter and suggests that more pet-friendly policies are needed to effectively engage the large unsheltered population.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
