Pets of the homeless

In recent years, homelessness in Portland has reached crisis level, and along with that the number of homeless pet owners looking for help has also risen dramatically. Recent surveys show that on any given night, there are approximately four thousand people living on the streets of Portland. Among this population, about five to ten percent own an animal companion, however this number can vary depending on the community. Although Oregon has a higher number of cats per capita than dogs, this is not true for people on the street, whose majority keep a dog by their side.

Benefits of pets for the homeless

Why then, do so many people who are homeless own pets?  Companion animals provide many benefits that are unique to the homeless population which far outweigh the costs. People who are homeless face stigma, discrimination, and social rejection. Their relationship with other people are often associated with distrust, aggression and even abuse. With interpersonal relationship so negatively characterized, a pet can offer solace when no other human can, because they mitigate the sense of isolation stemming from the lack of meaningful relationships with others. According to one study, a pet provide ‘an opportunity to care for “someone” without the complexities of human relationship dynamics’ In fact, pet owners who are homeless report lower level of depression and loneliness than those without. Pets can also offer feelings of responsibility which, for people with a history of substance abuse, can discourage them from partaking in risky behaviors, empower them to end their addiction and in some cases, avoid suicide

Despite its benefits, pet ownership is still a huge commitment, one that could become overbearing if one’s living condition changed unexpectedly.  Facing homelessness, many people have no choice but to give up their pets, unaware of the resources that can help alleviate the burden of pet ownership. As few as there may be, there are organizations in Portland that will provide food, shelters, pet supplies and veterinary care at low cost or even free.

Resources for homeless pet owners

For pet owners struggling to make ends meet, below are links to resources around Portland that can help alleviate the burden of pet ownership, resources that range from food to veterinary care. These agencies are mostly non-profit that also appreciate donations.

PAW team: https://www.pawteam.org/
Oregon Human Society: https://www.oregonhumane.org/
The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank: https://www.thepongofund.org/