A new study reviewed 27 years of international research and published in the peer-reviewed journal Anthrozoös reveals the psychological and safety risks associated with forced separation of people from their pets in crises like domestic violence and natural disasters. The research highlights the deep emotional bonds between humans and pets.
The lack of support services accommodating exacerbates risks during crises. Key findings underline the necessity for inclusive crisis planning and support services that consider the human-animal bond.
Key Facts:
- The study reviewed almost 3 decades of research, focusing on the human-animal bond in crisis situations, including domestic violence, homelessness, and natural disasters.
- Findings indicate that the lack of support services that includes a pet forces many individuals or even families to delay or avoid seeking safety, risking psychological distress and possibly resulting in potential maltreatment or death of pets.
- Recommendations include incorporating pet considerations in domestic violence services, enhancing pet-inclusive natural disaster evacuation plans, and ensuring pet-friendly accommodation for the homeless.
According to lead researcher J Montgomery,“Our results reveal the strong emotional attachment between people and animals may result in vulnerability for both in circumstances where this bond is threatened. When people are being forced to separate in the context of a crisis situation, such as natural disaster, homelessness or domestic violence, it can result in psychological distress and the risk to their health, and well-being and safety are really impacted. Sadly, the review also confirmed that a common outcome for pets in cases of domestic violence was maltreatment and/or death.”
Lack of Accommodations or Planning
Often in these often sudden or turbulent situations there’s a lack of shelters or housing places which can accommodate pets, or a lack of trust placed in formal support systems that they won’t be separated from their pet.
- In some domestic violence cases, threats to pets were made and victims can be lured back by the perpetrator which places significant risk to their safety as well.
- Natural disasters were equally challenging, with the possibility that a person would return for their pet during a period of danger or stay behind to protect their pet – putting themselves and others at risk.
The authors suggest some key recommendations to mitigate the risks associated with forced separation.
- Incorporating questions about pets in services assisting women experiencing domestic violence to seek refuge; providing housing for women, children and pets together; and increasing collaboration with services that can help with animals.
- Enhance natural disaster evacuation plans to include resources such as transport and shelters that accommodate both people and their pets.
- Ensure the availability of pet-friendly accommodation for people in homelessness situations.