Would the provision of pet-related services improve the health of pet-owning people with HIV?

Abstract Background : Approximately half of people with HIV (PWH) in the United States own pets. While pets may support physical and mental health, they also require socioeconomic resources that may exacerbate existing barriers to healthcare among PWH, as these resources can compete with those needed for healthcare. This study examined whether a cohort of PWH in Florida felt that receiving various free pet-related services would better enable them to access their own healthcare and whether endorsement was associated with HIV care engagement and clinical outcomes. Methods : Data were drawn from Wave 3 of the Florida Cohort (2021–2023) and included 206 pet-owning PWH. Participants reported whether access to free pet food, veterinary care, or pet boarding services would improve their ability to access their own healthcare. Survey data were linked to Florida Department of Health HIV surveillance records, including viral load measures from the prior year. HIV care outcomes included missed HIV care visits in the past year, missed antiretroviral therapy (ART) doses in the past month, and viral non-suppression (>200 copies/ml). Open-ended responses were analyzed thematically to identify additional pet-related services. Results : Most participants (79%) reported that access to free pet-related services would help them better engage with their own healthcare. Participants with poorer HIV care outcomes were more likely to report that pet-related supports would be helpful for their healthcare access. Missed ART doses were significantly associated with the endorsement of free pet food and pet boarding services, and viral non-suppression was significantly associated with endorsement of free pet food. Open-ended responses identified additional pet-related services, including pet insurance, grooming services, behavioral support, pet medications, emergency veterinary care, and pet-friendly housing. Conclusions : The helpfulness of pet-related services for participants’ access to healthcare was commonly reported among pet-owning PWH and was more frequently endorsed by individuals with poorer HIV care outcomes. These findings suggest that the economic cost of pet caregiving may interfere with healthcare engagement among PWH. Integrating pet-related support into programs serving PWH may help reduce barriers to care and support both human and animal wellness.