Two-Way Rescue: Homeless Dogs and People Finding Purpose Together
A happy dog is often pictured as one with a big house, a spacious backyard, quality food, and an abundance of toys. However, true happiness for dogs usually lies with their human and depends on how loved and cared they are.
However, there are many dogs living with their homeless owners on the streets who are happy and healthy. One of these dogs is Daisy. She has been on the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, for more than a decade, but she has all the signs of a happy dog. This indicates that even though her pet parent is homeless, the senior dog receives immense love and care.
Recently, Daisy’s human had to leave town for a while so, a rescue called Four Paws and Friends, took her in temporarily. One of the rescue’s founders decided to foster her.
Daisy Has Arthritis
When Daisy arrived at the rescue, the staff noticed a limp in her back left leg. So, they took her to their veterinarian as they were concerned that it was something serious. The tests and X-ray scans revealed that she had arthritis in her knees.
This wasn’t something to be worried about because pain medications would be enough to help the sweet dog. Other than that, Daisy has no other health complications. Overall, she is as healthy and happy as a senior dog could be and this is a testament to how well she is taken care of by her homeless parent.
However, this veterinary check-up and the treatment were very expensive and completely covered by the rescue. They paid for the vet visit, diagnostic testing, and medications.
Therefore, Four Paws and Friends will need funds to continue the amazing work they are doing and help many other dogs like Daisy. So, you can show your support by making a donation on their website.
Homeless People And Their Pet Dogs And Cats
Between 2019 and 2023, the number of people seeking emergency shelter for the first time rose by over 23 percent, as per the National Alliance To End Homelessness. Hundreds of thousands of people do not have a home in the United States and this can cause physical, emotional and mental angst.
This is why homeless people and their pets often have such a strong bond. These animals and their homeless owners both eradicate each other’s loneliness and fulfill each other’s emotional needs. However, many people wonder about how caring for pets and homelessness can work. Let’s find out.
Are Homeless People Able to Care for Their Pets?
According to the Canadian charity for homeless people, Fred Victor, “As an expert and huge advocate for keeping homeless and their pets together, we can assure that pet owners experiencing homelessness love their pets and will always find ways to provide for them.”
The organization also says that being homeless and having a pet isn’t too much different from people living in homes with a pet. A homeless man and his dog will have the same affection for each other and usually, these people treat their canine companions as family.
Why Do Homeless People Need Pets?
Homeless people are often alone on the streets and thus, need a companion animal. Caring for a pet on the streets fosters a strong sense of responsibility in individuals experiencing homelessness.
Providing for and taking care of a dog requires them to follow a routine and nurture a living being, teaching valuable life skills. This responsibility also gives them a sense of purpose, which is crucial for mental well-being, especially for those without a support system.
In addition, the bond between a homeless person and their pet can help lower the likelihood of engaging in harmful behaviors like drug and alcohol use. Research shows that the companionship and emotional support pets provide can deter such addictions, offering a path toward a healthier life.
There are also many homeless dogs and cats out there who need people to love and care for them because otherwise, they have the looming risk of being euthanized. For them, even having a pet parent who is homeless can save their lives. A charitable organization, Homeless & Orphaned Pets Endeavor (HOPE), helps homeless dogs and cats find empathetic humans who will foster or adopt them.
Challenges Of Homeless Pet Parents
One of the biggest challenges homeless pet parents face is finding homeless shelters for pets and humans together. A common dilemma for homeless people is the decision between a shelter bed and staying on the streets with their dog or cat. Most people prioritize their pets and choose to remain on the streets.
Another challenge for homeless pet owners is feeding the pets and providing them with proper medical care. Luckily, there are organizations like Pets of the Homeless, the first national nonprofit that works towards offering pet food and veterinary care for pets of homeless people.
They take donations in the form of pet food from the general public and then deliver it to homeless pets. Since 2008, they have delivered more than 2 million pounds of pet food. Additionally, they have provided medical aid to about 30,000 pets belonging to homeless owners. You can help this wonderful organization by donating funds, donating pet food, or becoming a sponsor. Visit their website for more information.
Homeless Shelters that Allow Dogs
- Pets of the Homeless (Feeding Pets of the Homeless)
This organization offers a directory of pet-friendly shelters across the U.S. and other resources.
Website: https://www.petsofthehomeless.org/ - The Safe Place for Pets Program (RedRover)
This program provides help in finding pet-friendly shelters, particularly for those experiencing domestic violence.
Website: https://redrover.org/relief/safe-place-pets/ - My Dog is My Home
A non-profit dedicated to ensuring homeless shelters and services include people and their pets.
Website: https://www.mydogismyhome.org/
Regional Homeless Shelters that Allow Pets
- Urban Resource Institute (NYC) – PALS Program
This program offers pet-friendly shelter options for those facing homelessness or domestic violence in New York City.
Website: https://urinyc.org/domestic-violence/pals/ - PATH (Los Angeles, CA)
PATH offers services to the homeless, including some locations that accept pets.
Website: https://epath.org/ - St. Vincent de Paul Society’s MSC South (San Francisco, CA)
This shelter in San Francisco is pet-friendly with specific guidelines.
Website: https://svdp-sf.org/msc-south/ - Mary’s Place (Seattle, WA)
Mary’s Place is a shelter in Seattle that provides pet-friendly accommodations.
Website: https://www.marysplaceseattle.org/ - Family Promise (Various Locations, Nationwide) Family Promise provides shelter and support for families experiencing homelessness and partners with many pet-inclusive shelters across the U.S.Website: https://familypromise.org/
- The Road Home (Salt Lake City, UT) This shelter offers pet-friendly accommodations through their emergency shelter programs.Website: https://theroadhome.org/
- Brother Francis Shelter (Anchorage, AK) This shelter, operated by Catholic Social Services, allows pets in their designated pet area. Website: https://www.cssalaska.org/our-programs/brother-francis-shelter/
- Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center’s Pets are Welcome (PAW) Program (Camden, NJ) This program provides temporary shelter and care for both people and their pets. Website: https://homewardboundnj.org/pets-are-welcome-paw-program/
- ShelterCare (Eugene, OR) ShelterCare offers pet-friendly services for those experiencing homelessness or in need of transitional housing. Website: https://sheltercare.org/
- Safe Harbor Shelter (South Portland, ME) Safe Harbor’s program provides accommodations for individuals experiencing homelessness with their pets. Website: https://www.opportunityalliance.org/safe-harbor-resource-center
- Humane Society of Charlotte Pet Assistance Program (Charlotte, NC) The Humane Society of Charlotte collaborates with local shelters to provide temporary housing for pets while owners are in transitional shelter programs. Website: https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/pet-assistance/
- Interfaith Sanctuary (Boise, ID) This shelter accommodates individuals experiencing homelessness with pets through their pet-friendly programs. Website: https://interfaithsanctuary.org/
- SafeHouse Center (Ann Arbor, MI) SafeHouse Center provides services and pet-friendly shelters for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Website: https://www.safehousecenter.org/
- Catholic Charities’ St. Vincent de Paul Village (San Diego, CA) This shelter offers pet-friendly programs and resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Website: https://my.neighbor.org/our-programs/
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