More-than-human empathy in the veterinary clinic: people experiencing homelessness and their companion dogs

Background<br/>Around one in ten to one in twenty people experiencing homelessness have a dog. Their dog may be the most significant other in that person's life. Studies have shown that these dogs are generally happy and healthy. However, owning a dog can be a barrier to accessing homelessness services, including accommodation and healthcare. Consequently, many sleep rough for fear of losing their <br/>companion. The erasure of an individual’s relationship with their dog, via exclusionary rules and regulations, is not empathic. <br/><br/>Methods<br/>For 15 years, a veterinary outreach service in Edinburgh has worked with people experiencing homelessness and their companion animals, collaborating with local social and medical services. While much practical experience has been gained, there has been limited research.Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to survey service providers, both medical and veterinary, as well service users. The topic of ‘joint provision of animal and human healthcare’<br/>was used as a means of exploring relevant issues through a One Health lens.<br/><br/>Findings<br/>While practical and ethical problems exist for joint health-care delivery, the study also raised questions about empathic veterinary and medical practice. Dog owners experiencing homelessness often fall between support systems and encounter multiple prejudices, including not being seen as ‘responsible dog owners’. <br/><br/>Discussion<br/>This study and the wider practice from which it is drawn reveal the need for an empathic approach to veterinary services ‘at the periphery’ and a rethinking of the ‘responsibility’ trope in relation to companion dogs. The teaching of contextual care to student veterinarians through service learning will allow trainees to understand the value and depth of the human-animal bond and see first-handhow animal and human health and well-being are linked. Further qualitative research is required.<br/>