skid row--a case example of high density interspecies...

1/26/2016

1

The National Museum of Animals & Society is dedicated to enriching the lives of

animals and people through exploration of our shared experience. To this end,

NMAS promotes respect for life and compassionate ethics in advancing healthy,

meaningful interconnections with the animal world.

Skid Row--A Case Example of High Density Interspecies Homelessness

by Christine Kim, MSW National Museum of Animals & Society

1/26/2016

2

“For dogs, living on the

street with a devoted human

companion can entail little

or no deprivation at all.

Houses are a human

construct, not a canine

one.” - Glenn Greenwald

1/26/2016

3

Brigitte + Nubeian

Relationship Themes • Lifesaver / Redeemer

• Child / Family

• Motivation to keep living

• Life purpose

• Health

• “My Dog Eats First”

• Therapeutic value

• Shelter / Housing •documentation

1/26/2016

4

Where and What is Skid Row?

Where and What is Skid Row?

1/26/2016

5

Where and What is Skid Row?

The Service Fair HoPe Veterinary Center

1/26/2016

6

The Service Fair PAWS/LA

The Service Fair Cause 4 Paws

1/26/2016

7

The Service Fair Bark Avenue Foundation

The Service Fair Survey Tables

1/26/2016

8

Survey Data & Themes

1/26/2016

9

What is Your Current Living Situation?

How Long HAve You Been in Your Current Living Situation?

1/26/2016

10

How Long HAve You Been in Your Current Living Situation? - Housed

How Long HAve You Been in Your Current Living Situation? - Homeless

1/26/2016

11

How Long HAve You Had Your Animal(s)?

How Long HAve You Been in Your Current Living Situation?

How Long HAve You Had Your Animal(s)? - Housed

How Long HAve You Been in Your Current Living Situation? - Housed

1/26/2016

12

How Long HAve You Had Your Animal(s)? - Homeless

How Long HAve You Been in Your Current Living Situation? - Homeless

How Did You Obtain Your Animal(s)? ● Someone gave it to me / give away

○ 24 responses

○ 44%

● rescue / found / adoption

○ 16 responses

○ 30%

● purchased

○ 7 responses

○ 13%

● from an acquaintance's litter

○ 5 responses

○ 9%

● inherited

○ 2 responses

○ 4%

1/26/2016

13

How Did You Obtain Your Animal(s)? - Housed Someone gave it to me / give away (birthday, gift)

22 responses

48%

rescue / found / adoption (stray, shelter, adoption agency)

14 responses

30%

purchased (on street, craigslist, from a friend)

4 responses

9%

from an acquaintance's litter

4 responses

9%

inherited (jail, passed away)

2 responses

4%

How Did You Obtain Your Animal(s)? - Homeless ● Someone gave it to me / give away (birthday, gift)

○ 2 responses

○ 25%

● rescue / found / adoption (stray, shelter, adoption agency)

○ 2 responses

○ 25%

● purchased (on street, craigslist, from a friend)

○ 3 responses

○ 37.5%

● from an acquaintance's litter

○ 1 response

○ 12.5%

● inherited (jail, passed away)

○ 0 responses

○ 0%

1/26/2016

14

What is Your Source of Income?

What is Your Source of Income? - Housed

1/26/2016

15

What is Your Source of Income? - Homeless

What Kind of Companion Animal Are You Bringing With You Today?

All Responses Housed Homeless

1/26/2016

16

1/26/2016

17

Are Any of Your Animals Considered Service Animals?

Are Any of Your Animals Considered Service Animals? - Housed

1/26/2016

18

Are Any of Your Animals Considered Service Animals? - Homeless

Have You Ever Been Denied Services Because of Your Animal?

1/26/2016

19

Have You Ever Been Denied Services Because of Your Animal? - Housed

If Yes, Describe What Services You Were Denied. - Housed

1/26/2016

20

Have You Ever Been Denied Services Because of Your Animal? - Homeless

If Yes, Describe What Services You Were Denied. - Homeless

1/26/2016

21

Have You Ever Stopped Yourself From Trying to Access Services Because of Your Animal(s)?

Have You Ever Stopped Yourself From Trying to Access Services Because of Your Animal(s)? - Housed

1/26/2016

22

If Yes, Please Elaborate on Why You Did Not Attempt to Access Services Because of your Animal. - Housed

“Like moving to a new place.”

“Grocery shopping.”

“I leave her at home if I have to. I wonder sometimes if it will be

hard to have her with me. I never bring her to mental health or

medical clinics/appointments with me.”

“I don't go into grocery stores or restaurants.”

“Transportation.”

“I don't think they'll take him in restaurants and stores.”

“I wanted to move but couldn't because they didn't allow animals.”

“I didn't get meals. I don't want the stress of being denied

again.”

Have You Ever Stopped Yourself From Trying to Access Services Because of Your Animal(s)? - Homeless

1/26/2016

23

If Yes, Please Elaborate on Why You Did Not Attempt to Access Services Because of your Animal. - Homeless

“If they won’t let me bring her, I won’t go.”

“I knew they wouldn’t let me in.”

“I know they are not going to let me in.”

What Changes or New Services Do You Think There Should Be To Help Homeless Human-Animal Families? - Housed Change in housing rules (allow animals, no restriction on size and

weight)

Providing poop bags and a small dog fountain

None

Free animal care services (veterinary, grooming, food)

Bus accessibility

Dog park

Accessibility to grocery stores

1/26/2016

24

What Changes or New Services Do You Think There Should Be To Help Homeless Human-Animal Families? - Homeless None

Open minded / no judgement

Housing and shelter

Education on pit bulls

Accessibility

Dog food

Dog park

• Quantitative research

• Funding for non-veterinary care

• Education and awareness •Infrastructure (standard operating procedures, legal paperwork/waivers, accountability, etc.)

Needs of the Field

1/26/2016

25

Thank You christine@museumofanimals.org

mydogismyhome.com