Housing and living conditions are a social determinant of both human and animal health. This determinant is more than just the environment people and their pets are housed in. It is also about location and access to community! Let’s explore more about this determinant and what it means.
What is a social determinant of animal health?
Social determinants of health is the idea that the conditions people are born in, live in, and work in influence their health. This can be applied to animals as well to create the same concept called “social determinants of animal health”.
How does housing impact health?
If people lack safe housing, there is an increased risk that both the people and animals in their care will experience chronic stress and exposure. It is important to remember that just because people are unhoused, it does not mean that their pets are unhealthy.
Studies have found that often the pets of unhoused people have lower rates of obesity and less behavioural problems.
How does physical environment impact health?
Canada has four very dramatic seasons, and they overly effect people in poor housing conditions. This means that people and animals can be exposed to both extreme heat and extreme cold.
How does access impact health?
Canada is very large and not everyone can be near food and vet care. Veterinarians work to address this gap with pop-up clinics, vet Telehealth, as well as transportation programs.
Who is responsible to make sure that housing and living conditions are met for animals?
- Primary Caregivers must provide basic needs and living conditions.
- Veterinary Professionals need to provide quality care and education.
- Regulatory Bodies must enforce legislations for animal care.
- Rescues provide temporary housing and adequate living conditions.
- Society needs to keep everyone accountable.
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