People experiencing homelessness, victims of domestic violence and economically vulnerable people are at higher risk of social exclusion. For them, pets are an important source of emotional support. A study by the Affinity Foundation Chair for Animals and Health of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the FAADA Foundation, published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal, highlights the importance of this support from a multidimensional perspective, drawing on the experiences of 100 individuals in vulnerable situations.
The study, conducted with a diverse group of people ages 19–80, concludes that pets play a crucial role in the support networks of vulnerable individuals, who view them as family members—primarily because they provide companionship and emotional well-being. In 90% of cases, dogs and cats serve as the respondents' sole source of support, as well as their only opportunity for physical contact and care. Ninety-one percent of participants said that when they are angry or sad, their pet is the one they most want to be with, and for 90%, the animal provides a reason to get up every morning. Furthermore, 71% believe their pet is the one who would remain by their side if everyone else were to abandon them.
