Growing up in the Bay I’ve seen my fair share of all kinds of homeless people, including homeless people with pets. I always wondered why they decide to keep their pets in the state their in or give them away instead? Pets can make it hard to find shelter and food to feed two mouths. This article explains why pets help homeless, specifically homeless youth.

A study was conducted by the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph to see the effects of having pets as a homeless youth. They had some interesting results. They found that, “homeless youth who have pets are less likely to abuse drugs or engage in risky behavior.” Another study found that pets help ease depression among those living on the street. Michelle Lem, who is a graduate of veterinary college, explained why the bong between a pet and homeless youth is so strong. She says that because the youth have lost a lot of their trust in people, they find unconditional love from their pets who stay loyal to them. They will do anything for their pets, so they are less likely to commit harmful acts.

Unfortunately, there is also a downside to having pets as a homeless youth. It is much harder to receive social services because most places do not allow pets or accept them. This includes shelters as well. On the bright side Bill O’Grady, a sociology and anthropology professor at Guelph is that, “There is an opportunity here here to use this information when we’re developing services and plans for young people.” If pets can help homeless youth stay out of harm’s way and feel less depressed than perhaps they can help their transition their lives into something better.

http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2016/03/27/Pets-help-homeless-youth-study-finds/3051459096337/