InfoStream (IS): The pet experience is clearly very important to you. Tell us more about how this came to be.
Jenn Nyhof (JN): I have always had a passion for working with people and animals. I was able to fully appreciate the importance of the human-animal bond about 10 years ago, after grieving the loss of a pet. Also, having worked throughout Canada’s North for the past 8 years, I realized that as a veterinarian, I would have the opportunity to be a leader in the community, and advocate for human and animal health and welfare.
IS: Tell us about the A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program. What should we know about it?
JN: On any given day, individuals and families across the country are in crisis, or are dealing with an emergency situation. With the knowledge that many Canadian households have at least one pet, it can be assumed that many people who are in crisis are pet owners. Pets may provide emotional support, comfort, companionship, and a sense of security and safety. The benefits of pet ownership are especially important during stressful times.
It is vital that those in crisis seek out assistance as they work towards the successful resolution of their situation. While individuals and families seek assistance, they may have to relocate from their homes, or they may be unable to care for their pet temporarily. It may be difficult for those in crisis to make suitable arrangements for their pets. Further, pet owners may be reluctant to deal with a crisis unless they can be assured that their pet will be safe and well cared for. Failure to consider pets during a crisis or emergency may be a barrier to ensuring the safety of families.
Last year, The University of Saskatchewan offered funding to students for the purpose of carrying out projects that emphasized the One Health concept. This was a key opportunity for us to identify solutions to assist those in crisis. We were privileged to receive this funding, and used it to create the framework for the A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program. The Program framework was developed following extensive consultation with stakeholders, and serves as an evidence-based model.
A.C.H.O.I.C.E. stands for Animal Care and Housing for Owners in Crisis or Emergency Situations. This Program is designed to be a national, non-profit, charitable organization. Through the provision of resources, The A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program will allow for the temporary care and housing of pets. As well, through advocacy, education, and the provision of grants, the Program will assist pet owners with safety planning, emphasize the need to consider pets as a part of any crisis management process, and assist other organizations in their quest to foster the human-animal bond.
Currently, the Program is in Phase 1 of implementation. It is hoped that the program will be fully operational as of 2017.
IS: Tell us about the One-Health Initiative that the A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program encompasses.
JN: The One Health Initiative involves the use of a multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach when working toward solving problems. It focuses on the connections between human, animal and environmental health. When the framework for The A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program was designed, we developed a video to highlight the importance of using a One Health approach.
IS: Is there an experience that helped you see the importance of the A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program? What in your history has taken you to where you are now?
JN: About 7 years ago, I heard the story of a young woman in a Northern community who had been a victim of abuse. After exhausting all the resources she had available to her, she made the tough decision to relinquish her dog to a local humane society. She was devastated, but she felt she had “no choice” but to give up her pet permanently. At that time, I was working as a public health practitioner. I felt as though there had to be a way to help those in need. Having now entered the field of veterinary medicine, and with the One Health concept in mind, the A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program represents a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people and animals.
IS: What are the most critical problems faced by pet owners in a crisis?
JN: Domestic Violence Example:
In 2000, the Ontario SPCA contacted various women’s shelters, with the purpose of examining the relationship between domestic violence and animal cruelty. 43% of those surveyed indicated “concern over their pet’s welfare had prevented them from leaving an abusive situation sooner”. Some victims of domestic abuse delayed seeking help because they were concerned about the well-being of their pet.
Further, some of the individuals who make the decision to leave an abusive situation end up losing their pet as a result. Victims of domestic abuse have reported trying, unsuccessfully, to find homes for their pets while they sought assistance. References:
Daniell C. Ontario SPCA’s Women’s Shelter Survey Shows Staggering Results. The Latham Letter. 2001; XXII(2):16-7.
McIntosh SC. The links between animal abuse and family violence, as reported by women entering shelters in Calgary communities. 2004.
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Medical Care Example:
Studies show that when a strong human-animal relationship exists, an individual may delay seeking medical care, may fail to follow medical advice, and may be reluctant to leave substandard housing conditions, if it interferes with the human-animal bond. References:
Morley C, Fook J. The importance of pet loss and some implications for services. Mortality 2005; 10(2):127-43.
Siegel JM. Stressful life events and use of physician services among the elderly: the moderating role of pet ownership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 1990; 58(6):1081-6.
Smith B. The ‘pet effect’. Health related aspects of companion animal ownership. Australian Family Physician. 2012; 41(6):439-42.
Homelessness Example:
Of the 28,500 people in Canada who are homeless at a particular point in time, approximately 2,900 of these individuals are considered “unsheltered”. Because pets are often not considered when assistance programs are designed, homeless individuals may avoid entering transitional housing because of pet ownership. References:
Summary:
During a crisis situation, pet owners may go through a decision-making process (Figure 1). If those in crisis decide to seek assistance, but if limited financial resources or social supports are available, the human-animal bond may not be preserved. If those in crisis delay seeking help, they may remain in unsafe situations. This may have adverse effects on both human and animal health.
Figure 1: Decision Tree, and Possible Outcomes, for Pet Owners in Crisis
IS: How are these problems currently being handled?
JN: A number of excellent assistance programs are currently in place. For example, the Calgary Humane Society offers a PetSafe Keeping Program. This Program offers support to victims of domestic violence. The A.C.H.O.I.C.E Program is designed to complement and enhance the Programs that are currently in existence. The A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program will also provide assistance to those living in under-serviced areas throughout the country.
IS: How will the program be funded? Are there any sponsors?
JN: To date, the Program has received funding from private, individual donors. A GoFundMe campaign has been established. We are applying for additional funding by way of federal and provincial grants. A 60 second promotional video is currently being developed, with the goal of soliciting donations from sponsors.
IS: Looking into the future, what are your ultimate goals for the A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program?
JN: Once the Program is fully operational, the A.C.H.O.I.C.E. Program will enhance human and animal health and welfare, emphasize the importance of the human-animal bond, promote autonomy and empowerment, and foster collaboration amongst stakeholders.
Dr. Krista Foreman is a veterinarian at South Paw Animal Hospital in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Dr. Foreman enjoys surgery, especially soft tissue and orthopedic. She co-chairs the provincial Safe for Pets Too program which arranges veterinary care and temporary fostering for animals belonging to women escaping domestic violence. 
