The relationship between a person and their pet is one of the strongest bonds that exists after everything else in their life falls apart. Within many of the camps located all around Portland and along the streets, having a dog or cat is quite common, but they are typically considered a nuisance by society and social services. For much of the homeless population in Portland, a pet is more than just a convenience; it is their source of security, comfort, and affection. Despite its importance for their mental well-being, owning a pet can serve as an obstacle standing in the way of assistance, leaving them with no other option than to choose between a comfortable night of sleep and their only form of family.
The common rhetoric tends to suggest that if a pet is keeping someone from a shelter, they should relinquish them in order to stabilize themselves. However, this perspective completely overlooks the psychological aspect of human connection. In a situation where one loses everything, such as their home, employment, and social standing, the role of a pet in providing meaning and humanity becomes crucial. A new study conducted at the University of Southern California in 2026 looked into years of housing outcomes and discovered that unhoused people who owned pets managed to secure permanent housing twice as often as people without pets. The fact that there is someone else to take care of gives them the drive to stabilize and enables them to utilize low-barrier permanent housing options more effectively.
Despite all these positive outcomes, the logistical hurdles involved in Portland prove to be quite challenging. While many shelters around Portland allow for pets, they often have certain requirements they must meet to be allowed in. They often need proof of vaccination, which is challenging due to the lack of documentation they have for their pets. They also tend to require the pets to be “housebroken” – proper potty training and proper indoor behavior – which can prove very challenging for those who are constantly living outdoors, or in inconsistent housing. In addition, movement becomes quite limited since transportation to a doctor's appointment or an interview may only be available on the MAX or buses, where it may not be possible to take one's pet along. It is necessary to consider animals not as a problem but rather as a solution to homelessness.
For the future, the opportunity arises for Portland to be proactive and utilize the correlation between humans and their pets to improve their services. This may involve extending shelter services with pet kennel availability as well as reaching out to organizations such as Portland Animal Welfare (PAW) team that will offer necessary animal care services for those who lack funds. By offering pet-friendly services, the city ensures that while ensuring stability for the individual, they do not have to give up their beloved pets. Our city boasts in the care we take for one another and our pets. It is now time that we showed care for those who needed it the most. We must recognize that keeping a pet healthy and safe could often be the first step at keeping a person whole and motivated to keep fighting.
If you are interested in learning more about what the PAWs Team mission is or want to donate, check out their website HERE.
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