Military veterans are at an increased risk for homelessness. Of the United States population, 10% are veterans. Of the homeless adult population, veterans account for 16%, which equates to approximately 66,000 on any given night. Typically, homeless veterans who served during the Vietnam era, are older and report physical and psychological problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol or drug dependencies. Challenges that affect their quality of life include separation from or death of family and friends, decreased social supports, depression, and dependency on others because of illness.

Studies have reported psychological, physiological, and social health benefits associated with companion animals, who play a significant role in effecting change or providing stability to the homeless. Homeless veterans report having companion animals to fulfill social needs, such as friendship, and unconditional, nonjudgmental love; and satisfying needs of self-worth.  Homeless veterans who demonstrate high levels of pet attachment may have difficulty finding housing and may refuse opportunities for placement if companion animals are not allowed.

According to Pets of the Homeless Organization, some shelters will accept homeless persons and their companion animals. It was believed that homeless veterans would demonstrate high levels of comfort scores on the Companion Animal Scale, would have difficulty finding housing, and would refuse opportunities for placement if companion animals were not allowed. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the construction of self-worth among homeless veterans by assessing the value of companion animals, and to determine the experiences of homeless veterans with companion animals in securing services.