Learn how forced separation affects people experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, and natural disasters—and why companion animals matter more than we think.
Access comprehensive research that bridges the gap between animal welfare and human wellbeing, giving you data-driven insights to support your work.
Understand the barriers to keeping families together and discover how to advocate for better policies and interventions that protect both people and their pets.
A Comprehensive Look at a Neglected Issue
When people face crisis—whether fleeing domestic violence, struggling with homelessness, or surviving natural disasters—they often face an impossible choice: abandon their beloved companion animals or stay in danger. This scoping review brings together critical research examining forced separation across three major categories of vulnerability. You'll explore the emotional, psychological, and practical consequences of these separations, understand the systemic barriers that force these impossible decisions, and discover evidence-based approaches to keeping families intact. Whether you're a social worker, policy advocate, veterinarian, shelter worker, or researcher, this resource provides the comprehensive overview you need to understand and address this often-overlooked crisis.