QUEENSLAND, Australia — The emotional relationship between a person and their pet might be more profound than previously thought. A new study conducted by Australian researchers reveals the psychological and safety risks that arise during the forced separation of pets and their owners during an emergency, such as domestic violence, homelessness, or natural disasters.
The study from James Cook University reviews 27 years of international research on this often-overlooked issue. Researchers examined 42 studies focusing on the human-animal bond and the impact of separation in various crisis scenarios.
“Our results reveal the strong emotional attachment between people and animals may result in vulnerability for both in circumstances where this bond is threatened,” says study lead author Jasmine Montgomery, a doctoral candidate at James Cook University, in a media release.
The study found that in scenarios of domestic violence, some pet owners delay leaving dangerous situations due to concerns for their pets’ safety.
“This is often because 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,” explains Montgomery. “In those cases where threats to pets are made, victims can be lured back by the perpetrator which places significant risk to their safety as well.”
“Sadly, the review also confirmed that a common outcome for pets in cases of domestic violence was maltreatment and/or death,” Montgomery adds.
Regarding natural disasters, individuals may risk their safety to return for pets or refuse to evacuate without them. The review also highlighted a systemic issue of human “superiority” and disparities in responsibility for pet welfare.
“Often, it’s expected people will choose human interests over animals at all costs, without consideration of the shared human-animal bond,” says Montgomery.
To address these issues, the study proposes several recommendations:
- Incorporation in Domestic Violence Services: Services for women experiencing domestic violence should include questions about pets, provide housing for women, children, and pets together, and collaborate with services that assist with animal care.
- Enhanced Evacuation Plans: Evacuation plans for natural disasters should accommodate both people and their pets, including transport and shelters.
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: The availability of pet-friendly accommodations for people in homeless situations is essential.
“What we need to start doing is taking our pets, and the value of our pets, very seriously,” notes Montgomery. “And, as a collective in the community, sharing that responsibility and placing the needs of pets in those areas of policy development, legislation, service provision and housing to help prevent unacceptable outcomes such as animal maltreatment or death.”
Researchers acknowledge certain limitations, including the focus on English-language articles and the potential omission of relevant studies due to complex animal-related keywords, which might overlook diverse cultural perspectives.
This study serves as a vital resource for professionals and organizations working to support individuals in crisis situations, emphasizing the importance of considering the human-animal bond in planning and providing services. It underscores the need for a collective effort to prevent outcomes such as animal maltreatment or death due to forced separation during crises.
The study is published in the journal Anthrozoös.
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