Homeless Youth More Likely to Seek Healthcare When Pets Receive Veterinary Care
A new study reveals that young people experiencing homelessness are significantly more likely to access medical care for themselves when veterinary services are available for their companion animals at the same time.
Researchers from Washington State University and the University of Washington tracked visits to the One Health Clinic in downtown Seattle, a unique facility offering integrated animal and human healthcare. Operating every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, the clinic is a collaboration between WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the UW Center for One Health Research. The study, analyzing data from 2019 to 2022, found that nearly 80% of visits resulted in clients receiving human health care, even though 69% initially sought care only for their pets.
“Providing veterinary care to this population helped animal owners engage in health care, even when the clinic wasn’t happening or there was no veterinary presence there,” explained Dr. Katie Kuehl, a veterinarian at WSU. “Because we were able to build trust and create that connection with them that starts with their pet, they are far more likely to engage in their own health care.” Of the 88 human clients, 75 visited a healthcare provider, and 40 established care for the first time in at least two years; this is particularly impactful given that over 50% hadn’t seen a doctor in over two years, yet 85% scheduled follow-up appointments. You can learn more about the One Health Clinic here.
The findings highlight a critical entry point for healthcare access for a vulnerable population, as untreated health issues can exacerbate the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. Nurse scientist and UW postdoctoral researcher Natalie Rejto noted the clinic saw approximately 300 visits between May 2024 and May 2025, and expressed interest in further research into the cost-effectiveness of preventative care, pointing to resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s One Health initiative.
Researchers plan to continue evaluating the clinic’s impact and explore opportunities to expand access to integrated healthcare services for people and their animals.
