Pets and housing : a one health one welfare issue

Many countries are experiencing a paradigm shift regarding the roles of companion animals in society as well as within urban areas, housing, and homes. Globally, there exists growing social recognition of the potential value of companion animals as important members of families, households, and communities. Indeed, relationships between humans and domestic animals can promote human health and development, optimal pet outcomes, and even create ripple effects beyond individual households to society at large. Yet lack of pet-friendly housing options unevenly influence who gets to live with pets, and where and how. In this internationally comparative chapter, we consider pets within a One Health/One Welfare framework and within a housing pathways perspective, examine perceived benefits and risks associated with differential exclusive-inclusive approaches to pets and housing across country contexts, and we offer case studies that illuminate barriers and how these can be addressed. We end with internationally relevant future directions toward an inclusive global approach to housing of humans and companion animals in ways that support human, pet, and societal health.