Welfare of Companion Animals During Owner Mental Health Crises

When owners experience mental health crises including depression, psychosis, and suicidality, companion animals may face neglect, welfare compromise, or be used as instruments of self-harm.

Key Facts

Depression in pet owners is associated with reduced pet exercise, veterinary care, and behavioral engagement
In psychotic episodes, animals have been harmed when owners were unable to distinguish reality from delusion
Suicidal ideation sometimes involves pets in safety planning — concern for animal welfare has prevented human suicides
Mental health crisis services rarely include companion animal welfare assessment in their response protocols
Pets of people with mental illness show elevated stress indicators correlated with their owners symptom severity

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of companion animals is inextricably linked to the mental health of their owners. During mental health crises, animals in the household may go unfed, may be exposed to frightening erratic behavior, or — in rare but documented cases — may be harmed. Yet companion animals also provide documented protective benefits during mental health crises, giving owners purpose, routine, and emotional connection that supports recovery. Mental health crisis response that includes animal welfare assessment and emergency pet care provision serves both human and animal welfare.

What You Can Do

Include companion animal emergency care in mental health crisis planning for yourself and loved ones
Support mental health services that include companion animal welfare in their assessment protocols
Donate to organizations providing emergency pet care for people in mental health crisis
Advocate for animal welfare to be included in mental health crisis response frameworks