Seattle health clinic provides care for people experiencing homelessness and their pets

A new study by researchers at the University of Washington shows support for an integrated model of health care that could be especially effective in improving access to care for people experiencing homelessness and their pets. One Health Clinic opened in 2018 in Seattle as part of UW’s  Center for One Health Research. The center, which was created in collaboration with Washington State University, explores the connections between the health of humans and animals within their shared environments. 

The One Health Clinic aims to remove barriers to medical and veterinary care for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness and their pets by providing that care and other services under one roof. The study found that from 2019 to 2022, 80% of all clients who visited the clinic for their pets’ veterinary care also received care for themselves, and nearly half of the clients established care for themselves for the first time in at least two years. 

Natalie Rejto is the lead author of the study, a patient navigator at One Health Clinic and a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for One Health Research. Vickie Ramirez is a co-author of the study and program manager at COHR. They join us to share their findings and thoughts on expanding the clinic’s model to improve health outcomes for both people and their pets.