Homelessness is a growing issue in many cities around the world. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in January 2019, an estimated 567,715 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in the United States, with more than 130,000 of them being families with children and more than 36,000 being veterans. In addition to the human population, there is also a growing population of homeless pets, with an estimated 500,000 to 1 million pets belonging to homeless individuals in the United States alone (Nathan & Laframboise, 2017).
Homelessness is also a major issue in Canada, with an estimated 35,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night (Homeless Hub, 2022). The human-animal bond has been shown to have numerous benefits, including reduced anxiety, depression, and stress levels. For homeless individuals, who face a range of challenges and stresses on a daily basis, the companionship and emotional support provided by their pets can be lifesaving (Nathan & Laframboise 78). However, many traditional homeless shelters do not allow pets, which can lead to difficult decisions for homeless individuals, who are often forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head.
This is where pet-friendly homeless shelters and programs can make a significant impact. These organizations provide resources and support for homeless individuals and their pets, including veterinary care, food, and shelter. They also offer programs and services that help homeless individuals get back on their feet, such as job training, education, and housing assistance.
For example, the San Francisco SPCA has a Community Pet Outreach program, which provides veterinary care and support to homeless individuals and their pets. The program offers veterinary services, pet food, and supplies, and provides resources and support to help homeless individuals get back on their feet. By providing these resources and services, the San Francisco SPCA is helping to reduce the number of pets who are surrendered to animal shelters and decreasing the number of homeless individuals who are forced to live on the streets (San Francisco SPCA). Another example of a pet-friendly homeless shelter is the DAWN Center for Independent Living, located in Washington State. The DAWN Center provides emergency shelter for individuals with disabilities and their pets, allowing them to stay together and receive necessary services (DAWN Center for Independent Living, n.d.). Similarly, the Urban Resource Institute (URI), located in New York City, operates a pet-friendly shelter for victims of domestic violence, recognizing the role that pets can play in the lives of survivors (Urban Resource Institute, 2021).
In Canada, there are several organizations that provide support for homeless individuals and their pets. For example, the Toronto Humane Society operates a pet food bank and offers veterinary care to low-income pet owners (Toronto Humane Society, n.d.). Other organizations, such as the SPCA, provide community outreach programs to help homeless individuals care for their pets and connect with resources such as shelters, food, and veterinary care.
A pet-friendly homeless shelter in Canada is the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre in Alberta offers pet-friendly accommodations for homeless individuals and their pets, recognizing the importance of pets in the lives of their owners (Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre, n.d.). Similarly, the Salvation Army in Victoria, British Columbia operates a pet-friendly shelter for women and children who are experiencing homelessness, allowing them to keep their pets with them (Salvation Army, n.d.).
In addition to pet-friendly shelters, there are also programs that provide support for homeless individuals and their pets. The Street Paws Program, for example, is a volunteer-run program in Toronto that provides free veterinary care, food, and supplies to pets of homeless individuals (Street Paws, n.d.). This program recognizes that many homeless individuals struggle to access veterinary care for their pets and works to provide these essential services.
How can you support pet-friendly homeless shelters?
One way to support pet-friendly homeless shelters and programs is through financial donations. Many pet-friendly shelters and programs rely on the generosity of individuals and organizations to provide food, medical care, and other essential services for both pets and their owners. Donating to these organizations can help ensure that they are able to continue their important work and make a difference in the lives of homeless individuals and their pets.
Another way to support pet-friendly homeless shelters and programs is through volunteering. Many organizations are in need of volunteers to help with tasks such as caring for pets, cleaning kennels, and providing support to homeless individuals. Volunteering can also provide a sense of purpose and community, and can be a valuable way to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
In addition to financial donations and volunteering, there are also many other ways to support pet-friendly homeless shelters and programs. For example, hosting a pet supply drive or fundraiser can help provide essential items such as food, toys, and bedding for homeless pets. Donating unused pet supplies or items that are no longer needed can also be a great way to help these organizations.
Another important way to support pet-friendly homeless shelters and programs is by advocating for their cause. This can include speaking out about the importance of pet-friendly shelters and programs, sharing information about these organizations on social media, and working with local government officials and organizations to ensure that pet-friendly housing options are available for homeless individuals. It is also important to challenge the stigma surrounding homelessness and pets. Many people hold negative stereotypes about homeless individuals and their pets, but these individuals are just like everyone else. They love their pets, and their pets provide comfort and support during difficult times. By challenging these stereotypes and advocating for the rights of homeless individuals and their pets, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need.
In conclusion, supporting pet-friendly homeless shelters and programs is a critical step in addressing the challenges faced by homeless individuals and their pets. These organizations provide resources and support that can make a significant impact in the lives of those in need. With the right resources and support, we can help reduce the number of pets who are surrendered to animal shelters and decrease the number of homeless individuals who are forced to live on the streets, which benefits both homeless individuals and the community as a whole. To add, by volunteering, donating, spreading the word, advocating for policies, and challenging stereotypes, we can help ensure that homeless individuals and their pets have access to the care and support they need to thrive.
References:
Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre. (n.d.). Pet-friendly accommodations. Retrieved from https://www.thedi.ca/how-we-help/housing/pet-friendly-accommodations/
DAWN Center for Independent Living. (n.d.). Emergency shelter for individuals with disabilities and their pets. Retrieved from https://dawncil.org/emergency-shelter-for-individuals-with-disabilities-and-their-pets/
Homeless Hub. (2022). Homelessness in Canada. Retrieved from https://www.homelesshub.ca/homelessness-Canada
Nathan, J., and Laframboise, L. "The Human-Animal Bond and Homelessness." Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless, vol. 26, no. 2, 14 June 2017, pp. 77-84.
Salvation Army. (n.d.). Victoria's First Pet-Friendly Shelter. Retrieved from https://www.salvationarmy.ca/britishcolumbia/pet-friendly-shelter/
San Francisco SPCA. "Community Pet Outreach." San Francisco SPCA, n.d., sfspca.org/programs-services/community-pet-outreach.
Street Paws. (n.d.). About us. Retrieved from https://www.streetpawstoronto.com/about-us/
Toronto Humane Society. (n.d.). In the Community. Retrieved from https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/support-us/become-an-advocate/in-the-community/#:~:text=Pet%20Food%20Bank&text=We%20believe%20that%20no%20one,term%20feeding%20of%20your%20pets.&text=200%20Wellesley%20Street%20East.
Toronto Humane Society. (n.d.). Quality Vet Care. Retrieved from https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/pet-services/vet-services/
Urban Resource Institute. (2021). Pet-friendly domestic violence shelter. Retrieved from https://www.urinyc.org/services/domestic-violence/pet-friendly-shelter/