IRB Number

24-0126-009

Date of Award

Summer 8-24-2024

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Susan MacDermott OTD, OTR/L

Second Advisor

Karen Park, OTD, OTR/L

Third Advisor

Erin Schweir EdD, OTD, OTR/L Program Director

Medical Subject Headings

Dogs, Ownership, Ill-housed person, Housing, Motivation

Abstract

Twenty-five percent of people experiencing homelessness have pets, but few transitional housing programs allow pets (Rhoades et al., 2015); therefore, there is a gap in the literature about the experience of pet ownership during the transitional housing process. This study aimed to explore pet owners' experiences at a transitional housing site in San Diego County. The student interviewed two current dog owners and four recent dog owners. All participants prioritized their pets because of the strong bond they shared with their pet. They described their relationship between themselves and their dog to be stronger than their relationships with family members and friends. The prioritization of their dogs positively and negatively influenced occupational engagement. While receiving services, owners experienced consequences when separated from their dogs, including a decline in motivation, depressed mood, and loss of purpose. Three participants lost ownership of their dogs due to unreliable caregivers, resulting in unresolved emotions that interfered with accomplishing goals. Since their dogs are significant figures in their lives, it is essential to consider them when determining goals and housing options. Working towards sheltering dogs with their owners has potential positive benefits.

Keywords: homelessness, pet owners, transitional housing, separation from pet, occupational engagement

Comments

Capstone project submitted to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Occupational Therapy

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