The Most Genuine Bond

The human-animal bond is strong, but the bond that homeless individuals have with their pets may be the strongest.

Whether it’s unexpected job loss, the housing crisis, bad credit, natural disasters, inequitable systems, or the global pandemic, life’s events cause many people to be displaced, unhoused, and experience homelessness. If it is for a day or several years, the experience can be traumatic and a cycle that isn’t easy to break. Beyond providing companionship, socialization, protection, and love, many pets of people experiencing homelessness serve as a lifeline and constant source of motivation during stressful times. 

In 2023, more than 650,000 were experiencing homelessness in the United States, a 12% increase from 2022. Projections of pet ownership among this population ranges from 10%-25%. Using these estimates, this puts the number of pet parents experiencing homelessness in America at anywhere from 65,000 to over 162,500 individuals. 

Pets are family, and the commitment these individuals have to their pets is strong – often caring for their pets first before caring for themselves. Studies have shown that pets of people experiencing homelessness are in equal and in some cases in better health than those who are housed, although access to veterinary care can be a challenge. Through our work and with the support of our contributors like Fetch Pet Insurance, Project Street Vet aims to provide easier access to veterinary care to these families during their time of most need.