Animal Hoarding

The act of having more than the average number of companion animals without the ability to properly provide the minimal standards of care has been defined as animal hoarding (Animal Hoarding, 2010). An individual who hoards animals may be in denial to the poor living conditions they and their animals live in, the care the animals are receiving, and just how it is significantly affecting their life. It is critical for social workers to increase their knowledge regarding individuals who may hoard animals and obtain the proper resources to provide assistance to both the individual and the animals. Additionally, it is important for social workers to be able to recognize and address animal hoarding within individuals; therefore, they will be

There have been treatment approaches used and found to assist the individuals, however, none have been proven to be successful. First and foremost, it is crucial to address the individual’s comorbid disorder, if they have one, and treat the illness accordingly. Motivational interviewing and problem solving have been found to aid in specific areas within animal hoarding with the assumption that the individuals has had an traumatic event or an unstable time period in their life (Frost & Steketee, 2010)). According to Frost and Steketee (2010), Cognitive Behavior Therapy has been accompanied with some encouraging outcomes within individuals who hoard objects, and possibly aid in the treatment of individuals who hoard animals as well. Additional research must be completed in order to further understand this phenomenon that affects many communities throughout or country. Furthermore, supplementary material and research may greatly increase knowledge concerning the treatment approaches and interventions that may be

I have watched some of the shows on animal planet showing true stories of individuals who hoard countless animals within their homes; however, I was always focusing on the animal’s lives and not the human being’s. As someone who did not have any knowledge on the topic, I was blind to how significantly it affects the individual’s lives that hoards different species of animals. After gaining knowledge on animal hoarding through this one-week intensive class focusing on the human-animal bond, my mindset has been completed altered. Individuals who hoard animals may have a ruptured attachment, a traumatic experience, or a mental illness and I believe as a social worker that it is crucial to address the underlying problem. It has been understood that simply removing all of the animals from the home without a long-term intervention put into place will result in 100% recidivism (Animal Hoarding, 2010). I believe it is very crucial to compile more research on evidence-based interventions for individuals who hoard animals; subsequently, I understand that it is difficult to obtain information and apply interventions to individuals who hoard animals for countless reasons. I have found myself researching and reading countless different articles pertaining to the intervention and treatment approaches used for individuals who hoard animals, however my findings were