Pets, People, and Support: Examining Retention Through Client Experiences
Start Date
April 2026
Location
2nd floor - Library
Abstract
Pet relinquishment is often connected to major life crises, yet there is limited research on how satisfaction with support services may influence whether individuals are able to retain their pets. This study explores the relationship between client satisfaction and pet retention within the Paw in Hand Project, a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter, fostering, and supportive services for pets whose owners are experiencing or at risk of crises such as homelessness, domestic violence, human trafficking, and substance use. In addition to boarding and foster care, the program offers emotional support and referrals to clinical services to support both the client and their pet. This exploratory study uses client satisfaction surveys and intake data from approximately 5–6 participants collected between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. The goal is to identify possible connections between satisfaction with services and successful pet retention, while also looking for patterns in client experiences that could help improve the program. This research is important because it can help strengthen the quality of care provided to clients and inform more effective service delivery. It also contributes to the field of social work by offering insight into the human-animal bond within crisis situations, an area that remains underrepresented in research and practice.
Pets, People, and Support: Examining Retention Through Client Experiences
2nd floor - Library
Pet relinquishment is often connected to major life crises, yet there is limited research on how satisfaction with support services may influence whether individuals are able to retain their pets. This study explores the relationship between client satisfaction and pet retention within the Paw in Hand Project, a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter, fostering, and supportive services for pets whose owners are experiencing or at risk of crises such as homelessness, domestic violence, human trafficking, and substance use. In addition to boarding and foster care, the program offers emotional support and referrals to clinical services to support both the client and their pet. This exploratory study uses client satisfaction surveys and intake data from approximately 5–6 participants collected between Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. The goal is to identify possible connections between satisfaction with services and successful pet retention, while also looking for patterns in client experiences that could help improve the program. This research is important because it can help strengthen the quality of care provided to clients and inform more effective service delivery. It also contributes to the field of social work by offering insight into the human-animal bond within crisis situations, an area that remains underrepresented in research and practice.
