Marisa Geiser Krummenacher (2026)
Background: Research on human-animal relations in homelessness is abundant. However, studies that focus on humans and
companion animals on an equal basis are limited. Prior research has examined the phenomena from either an anthropocentric or a purely veterinary perspective. Methods: Using an ethnographic research design and the analysis methods of the constructivist grounded theory and situational analysis, this study aimed to address the research gap and examined the shared lives of humans and their companion animals experiencing homelessness, the conflicting moments and barriers that they encounter in their shared everyday life, the manner in which they affect the well-being of either one or both, and the coping strategies used to overcome these issues. Results: In the iterative research process, three main lines of conflict and key issues were identified that had a major influence on the shared everyday lives of humans and their companion animals experiencing homelessness and well-being: (1) restricted access to support services, healthcare, and daily necessities; (2) reciprocal dependences of human and animal well-
being and health; and (3) discourses on adequate animal care within the field. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of looking at both sides of the human-animal bond and recognising this interdependence in the spirit of the One Health and One Welfare models in terms of establishing support and healthcare services for both humans and companion animals. Power structures and the availability of various forms of capital play an important role in this context. This requires future research to adapt a power-sensitive approach that recognises the interconnectedness of humans and their companion animals experiencing homelessness in a holistic manner.
Keywords: human-animal bond, precarious living situations, homelessness, service access, stigmatisation, coping strategies
https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2026.0025 (Free PDF)