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Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review

Author

Listed:
  • Christine Roseveare

    (School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6140, New Zealand)

  • Mary Breheny

    (School of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand)

  • Juliana Mansvelt

    (School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand)

  • Linda Murray

    (School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington 6140, New Zealand)

  • Marg Wilkie

    (Research Centre for Hauora and Health, Massey University, Wellington 6140, New Zealand)

  • M. Carolyn Gates

    (School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand)

Abstract

There is growing interest in the health-promoting potential of human-companion animal relationships from a broad public health perspective while acknowledging barriers to ownership, particularly for older adults. Companion animal fostering is an alternative to pet ownership that aligns with the Ottawa Charter health promotion principle that caring for others in everyday settings promotes health. This narrative review of the literature on companion animal fostering draws on Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four-sided house), an indigenous model of health that is influential in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and the Ottawa Charter. We found that companion animal fostering can be considered health-promoting for human and non-human animals, using a broad and multidimensional understanding of health. As well as improving the long-term outcomes for homeless animals, companion animal fostering has the potential to promote the health of the individuals, families, and communities who provide foster homes. Our review highlights the importance of health promoters considering the reciprocal relationship between human and animal health. Future research should explore different aspects of human and non-human health, perspectives of different types of fosterers in different settings and communities, barriers to fostering, and methods that explore the role of caring for a wider range of companion animals in creating and sustaining wellbeing.

Suggested Citation

  • Christine Roseveare & Mary Breheny & Juliana Mansvelt & Linda Murray & Marg Wilkie & M. Carolyn Gates, 2023. "Companion Animal Fostering as Health Promotion: A Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(13), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:13:p:6199-:d:1176396
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Heidi K. Ortmeyer & Lynda C. Robey, 2019. "Companion Dog Foster Caregiver Program for Older Veterans at the VA Maryland Health Care System: A Feasibility Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-12, November.
    2. Rock, Melanie & Mykhalovskiy, Eric & Schlich, Thomas, 2007. "People, other animals and health knowledges: Towards a research agenda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(9), pages 1970-1976, May.
    3. Kellie-Ann Armitt & Janette Young & Rose Boucaut, 2022. "A Qualitative Analysis of Management Perspectives on Seeking to Implement the Foster Cat Project in Residential Aged Care in the Context of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-15, December.
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