Our research examines access to veterinary and behavioral care, the human–animal bond, and the role of pets in human health, recovery, and social connection. Together, these areas help us understand how pet and human well-being are connected. By integrating pets into social service and healthcare systems, we aim to advance equitable, One Health-aligned approaches for all family members—human and animal alike.
Access to Care and Services
CPFW also studies the barriers that prevent families from accessing veterinary and behavioral care for their pets. Through national data collection and analysis, we identify the social, economic, and structural factors that limit access to essential services. We also examine how these barriers affect pet and human health and well-being. In turn, this research informs future studies, policies, and practices designed to reduce those barriers.
Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers, Current Practices, and Public Policy
Through a generous grant from Maddie’s Fund®, the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition (AVCC) commissioned this national population study to better understand the barriers to veterinary care experienced by pet owners across the socioeconomic spectrum. The study also sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices veterinarians have regarding access to veterinary care.
California Animal Welfare Working Group Animal Shelter Survey Report 2022
With a geographic focus on California, the study was designed to answer three key questions:
- Do animal shelters in California indicate that they are experiencing a lack of access to veterinary care?
- What types of care can or cannot be provided?
- What are the effects of the shelters’ lack of access to veterinary care?
Access to Veterinary Care and Animal Welfare Organizations
The purpose of this study is to better understand the challenges animal welfare organizations face around access to veterinary care and how these challenges impact the animals in their care.
Racial Disparities in Animal Welfare
Research questions guiding this study were:
- How are pet adoptions procedures and practices impacting different racial and ethnic groups within a community?
- What differences exist in how different racial and ethnic groups within a community are impacted by policies and procedures of animal control agencies and animal welfare organizations?
From Academia to Action: The AlignCare Journey in Pet Health Equity
AlignCare is more than a system; it is a movement toward family health equity, endeavoring to eliminate disparities in care.
Access to Veterinary Care: Barriers and Insights from Pet Families
This report builds on the 2018 national study and offers an updated look at the challenges families face when trying to access veterinary services. The findings highlight the urgent need for expanded veterinary care access, local support services, and community-focused outreach to keep pets healthy and families together.
Pet Family Support Systems
CPFW is developing a framework to assess and enhance community support systems for pets and their families that will foster effective collaboration between the health and well-being sector; economic and community support sector; housing, transportation and infrastructure sector; and education, policy and research sector to strengthen the One Health approach.
We are developing a comprehensive community assessment tool to include pets in human-centered services.
The State of Pet-Inclusive Social Service Delivery: A National Snapshot of How Agencies Support Families with Pets
This national report examines how social service agencies are including pets in service delivery and where opportunities remain to better support pet families. Based on a survey of 209 agencies across 43 states and Washington, DC, it explores current pet-related services, barriers to implementation, cross-sector collaboration, and the resources agencies need to strengthen pet-inclusive practices.
Pet Family Health and Well-Being
CPFW is conducting various studies that explore the depth and dynamics of the human-animal bond, focusing on how these relationships impact the overall health of families. The research will utilize various health metrics to draw significant correlations between bonded family units and their health outcomes.
- Understanding the Role of Pets on Substance Use Recovery and Well-Being
- Understanding the Role of Pets on Senior Well-Being and Senior Living Communities
- Understanding the Role of Pets on Veteran Well-Being
The Center for Pet Family Well-Being
is a proud recipient of funding
from Maddie’s Fund, a Duffield Foundation.
Thank You to Our
Current Project Funders!
Thank You to Our Past Funders!
