Caring for Both Pets and People: How One Clinic is Tackling Youth Homelessness
Every year in the U.S., nearly two million young people experience homelessness — and up to a quarter of them have pets. For many, these animals are more than companions; they provide vital emotional support. But having a pet can also create barriers, from accessing housing to seeking medical care. Some young people even prioritize veterinary care for their pets over their own health needs.
Enter the Seattle One Health Clinic, a pioneering program run collaboratively by the University of Washington and Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, alongside nonprofit partners. The clinic provides free veterinary care and medical care side by side, ensuring both the person and their pet are supported.
A recent study in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health confirms the impact of this approach. Between 2019 and 2022, the clinic served 88 young clients, most aged 23 or younger. Nearly 80% of visits led to clients receiving medical care — including 69% who initially came only for their pets.
The clinic’s model is simple yet powerful: a nurse practitioner and veterinarian work together in the same space, sometimes alongside vet students, while University of Washington student volunteers help clients navigate additional resources. The team even assists in documenting pets as emotional support animals, enabling their owners to access housing and other critical services.
Researchers say this holistic approach fosters trust, addressing the human–animal bond as a single, interconnected system. For many clients, it provides consistent health care for the first time in years.
The Seattle One Health Clinic demonstrates that caring for both people and their pets strengthens the entire community. By acknowledging the importance of the human–animal relationship, this model offers a roadmap for addressing complex social and health challenges with compassion and innovation.
