Working with homeless dogs as a high-risk care activity - the perspective of people helping homeless animals

Abstract

This article presents a phenomenographic study with elements of biographical interviewing on stress in caring for homeless animals. The aim of the study is to demonstrate how stressful this work is and to illustrate how stress is experienced.

The theoretical section presents the problem of animal homelessness in the contemporary world. It describes the legal reality regarding animal care in Poland based on the Animal Protection Act of August 21, 1997. Furthermore, it addresses the phenomenon of stress in caring for homeless animals.

Three categories were developed to describe the intended objectives: 1. characteristics of the study participants; 2. stress – ways of experiencing stress and stress-inducing areas; 3. functioning of government support and practical implementation of the Animal Protection Act. The study results in an interpretation of the participants’ experiences. Those working with homeless dogs perceive increased stress levels and other strong emotions related to their chosen occupation. Factors influencing the frequency and intensity of stress experienced while working with homeless animals are related to the entire system in which the respondents function – from their biography, through support mechanisms, economic situation, to applicable law.