For many of us, pets are valued family members that give us joy and impact our well-being. In fact, our love and care for our pets can improve our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, helping us meet and talk to our neighbors, and giving us a sense of purpose.
Our animal companions also affect our physical health. For example, humans who take their dogs outside regularly for a walk or run are rewarded with exercise that may help lower their blood pressure and cholesterol and even boost their heart health and immune systems.
Rescuing an animal may benefit society, too. A recent study found that people with lower incomes often rescued stray dogs directly off the streets or via family members and friends.
This type of rescue keeps a dog from being abandoned at an already-overburdened shelter — or captured and processed by taxpayer-funded animal control staff. The stray dog gets a shot at a better life and the dog’s human feels good about their compassionate act. (The study also suggested this benefit may be strengthened if the new pet owner receives community support.)
Social determinants of health — especially income and housing — can affect the way people care for and bond with their animal companions. For example, if a pet has health problems, their human may be forced to choose between paying for a vet visit and pet medicine vs paying rent or buying groceries.
If someone is the victim of intimate partner violence, they may delay leaving their partner because they’re worried about abandoning their animal companion. (Fortunately, in Allegheny County, a new law (Act 146 of 2024) signed in Nov. 2024, allows for pets to be included in Protection from Abuse [PFA} orders.
MARY RAUKTIS
University of Pittsburgh’s Dr. Grace Drnach-Bonaventura, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, and Dr. Mary Rauktis, Research Associate Professor, School of Social Work, study human and pet wellness. Through ongoing research and outreach, they’ve discovered basic, affordable things pet parents can do to prepare for emergencies in advance. They’ve also identified the important role community support plays in this preparedness.
In their most recent research grant proposal, Dr. Drnach-Bonaventura, Dr. Rauktis, and their co-researchers are hoping to capitalize on Pittsburgh’s strong network of community-based animal advocates. “The aim is to build a wellness collaborative whose members are focused on supporting pet-and-human health during times of crisis,” Dr. Drnach-Bonaventura explains.
The members would include full-service, shelter-based organizations like Animal Friends, Human Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP), and Paws Across Pittsburgh, as well as volunteer-lead and foster-based groups like Harmony Dog Rescue, Pittsburgh Hill District Cats, Trash Cat Rescue, and others.
“The organizations already have great relationships and a willingness to work together,” says Dr. Drnach-Bonaventura. “If our research proposal receives funding, the money will allow them to come together more formally and focus on emergency management from a pet-and-human health perspective.” That includes identifying what they’re already doing well and pinpointing and filling service gaps.
On a personal preparedness level, humans can do a few basic things to prepare for a crisis that involves their animal companions. “First, have conversations with family members and friends you trust to care for your pet during a crisis,” offers Dr. Rauktis. “Would this person be willing to provide pet care during an emergency like an unplanned hospital stay? What would that look like?”
Second, Dr. Rauktis suggests humans create an easy-to-grab “go bag” that includes an emergency supply of pet food, bottled water, and medicine if needed. The bag should also include a folder with the pet’s veterinarian name and number, vaccination and vet-visit paperwork, contact information for short-term pet caregivers, and a pet profile.
“For the profile, include things like how friendly your pet is with other animals and kids,” says Dr. Rauktis. “Does your pet have any medical conditions? What’s their food brand, feeding and potty schedule? How about their exercise, play, and sleep habits? Do they have separation anxiety or funny quirks? The more insight, the better.”
More preparedness suggestions are available (including a pet power of attorney) in the Pitt Social Work document Aging in Place with Pets. You can find the document by logging on to socialwork.pitt.edu, and choosing links ‘Research,’ ‘Research Projects,’ ‘Aging Initiatives & Programs,’ ‘Aging in Place with Pets,’ and ‘Resource Guide for Aging in Place with Pets (PDF).’
Dr. Drnach-Bonaventura also encourages readers to speak up for their animal companions if they’re seeking resources for housing, food, and healthcare — just as they would for a family member. “Your pet is an important part of your family tree. It’s right that you advocate for their health and well-being along with yours.”
