Companion Animal Care Articles used with permission from All-Creatures.org

The National Link Coalition reports on a new study that explores the relationship between companion animals and homelessness as well as how homelessness affects the bond between humans and dogs.

Czech Study Cites Benefits of Dogs for Unhoused Persons
From August 2025 LINK-Letter, The National Link Coalition
August 2025

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A new research study from the Czech Republic is echoing findings from other countries that domestic violence can be a cause for individuals to experience homelessness, and that these individuals’ emotional bonds with pets can be stronger than those for housed persons, despite the fact that the presence of animal companions can be a barrier to finding shelter.

Researchers from the Czech University of Life Sciences surveyed 101 individuals from the estimated 20,600 Czech people experiencing homelessness to identify the perceived costs and benefits of dog ownership. Although both homeless and permanently housed people were likely to regard the dog as a part of the family, “For a person facing homelessness their dog may be the only family member. Homeless dog owners often refuse accommodation options or jobs when dogs are not permitted to accompany them,” they concluded.

They cited earlier studies that have found that for people facing homelessness, a dog can be a valuable aid in reducing feelings of loneliness and depression, providing physical contact, initiating communication with others, facilitating initial social encounters, and generating higher levels of respect and dignity for homeless individuals.

In the Czech Republic, as in most countries, only a limited number of shelters permit dogs to accompany their people. If dogs are allowed, they either have to stay in a kennel or with the owner in a small “artificial igloo.” “Consequently, numerous homeless individuals are forced to make the excruciating choice between accepting accommodation or parting with their beloved companion. Many refuse the accommodation, thereby perpetuating the cycle of homelessness,” they added.

The most important finding was that despite the challenges of having a dog, homeless dog owners rated their perceived emotional closeness to their dog significantly higher than owners with permanent housing, highlighting the importance of canine companions and the emotional support they provide to their owners living on the streets or under unstable conditions.

-- Pribylová, L., Soucková, M., Vostrá-Vydrová, H., & Glenk, L. M. (2024). Perceived relationships and the costs and benefits of dog ownership in Czech homeless and non-homeless people. Anthrozoös, 38(2), 371–387. https://doi.org/10.1080/08927936.2024.2425176

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Posted on All-Creatures.org: August 14, 2025
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