The Impact of the Social Determinants of Human Health on Companion Animal Welfare

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The role of the social determinants of health (i.e., physical, social and economic factors affecting human health) and their impact on companion animal welfare have not been fully explored. Through a social determinants lens, it is possible to improve the understanding of companion animal guardian challenges in managing their companion animal’s welfare needs. Considering the five domains of animal welfare in conjunction with the social determinants enables us to explore the impact of the social determinants of human health on animal welfare. This highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve positive health outcomes for guardians and positive welfare outcomes for their companion animals. ABSTRACT: The social determinants of health (SDH) focus on the social, physical and economic factors that impact human health. Studies have revealed that animal guardians face a range of challenges in attaining positive welfare outcomes for their companion animals, which can be influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors. Despite this, there is a lack of research specifically exploring the relationship between SDH and animal welfare outcomes. Given that the SDH impact on humans, which in turn directly impacts on their companion animal, it is important to adapt an SDH framework for companion animal welfare by characterising the impact of the SDH on companion animal guardians in their attempts to care for their animals and, by extension, the associated welfare outcomes. This paper explores how these human health determinants may impact animal welfare and the possible challenges that may arise for the guardian when attempting to meet their companion animal’s welfare needs. By integrating the SDH with other key frameworks, including the five domains model of animal welfare, through multidisciplinary collaboration, this framework can be used to inform future programs aiming to improve animal welfare.