Affordability, Feasibility, and Accessibility: Companion Animal Guardians with (Dis)Abilities’ Access to Veterinary Medical and Behavioral Services during COVID-19

Abstract

The research aims to explore COVID-19 health and safety protocol impacts on companion animal guardians living with (dis)abilities relating to veterinary medical and behavioral service access. The COVID-19 global public health crisis has impacted almost all international communities; however, vulnerable and marginalized groups have been disproportionately affected. Within the human–companion animal domain, COVID-19-driven societal impacts (e.g., social, health, and economic) not only boomed with new companion animal guardians, but also negatively influenced guardians’ access to veterinary services. Although studies have examined guardian-related COVID-19-specific challenges, there is a paucity of concentration on vulnerable populations, such as persons with disabilities (PWDs). Responding to this research deficit, this study recruited twelve companion animal guardians to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews, and eight (67%) of the twelve participants self-identified as PWDs. From a PWD perspective, this research reveals three pandemic-triggered primary barriers, preventing PWDs from pursuing veterinary services: (1) service affordability, (2) assistance program feasibility, and (3) veterinary service accessibility. This article argues that PWD-driven approaches could improve existing assistance and support programs to address PWDs’ unique requirements, promoting a healthy human–animal bond.

Pet Owners’ Perceptions of COVID-19, Zoonotic Disease, and Veterinary Medicine: The Impact of Demographic Characteristics

“…For example, pet owners that struggled with transport prior to the pandemic often faced increased difficulties during the pandemic due to the use of shared transport and the increased risk of COVID-19 infection [ 62 ]. Similarly, pet owners with disabilities faced increased challenges accessing veterinary care due to exacerbated financial challenges, transportation difficulties and the use of curbside services [ 63 ].…”

Barriers to Care in Veterinary Services: Lessons Learned From Low-Income Pet Guardians' Experiences at Private Clinics and Hospitals During COVID-19

“…For example, Ikeuchi and colleagues highlight that during the COVID-19 pandemic, socially isolated older adults without dogs were more likely to report lower psychological health than their peers who have or have had a dog in their life ( 6 ). Furthermore, animals have been shown to positively impact how people react, cope, and recover from disaster situations ( 7 – 11 ). Consequently, current COVID-19-specific research reports increased pet guardianship ( 12 ) and confirms the various support roles of the animal within human-animal bonds ( 13 ).…”

Low and No-Contact Euthanasia: Associated Ethical Challenges Experienced by Veterinary Team Members during the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A qualitative study of Canadian pet owners with (dis)abilities found that for some, their (dis)ability (e.g., sensory, cognitive or motor) posed a barrier to virtual or telephone consultations or commuting to veterinary clinics during the pandemic [ 86 ]. A number reported that the inability to accompany their animals into the veterinary hospital led to distress, and reduced their willingness to access veterinary care [ 86 ].…”