What Happens to Pets of the Homeless?

About 3.5 million Americans are homeless each year according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. On a given night 633,782 people are experiencing homelessness, There are about 500,000 shelters across the country. As in the rest of the population, homeless people are an assorted mix.  For example, 239,403 are people in families, and 392,945 are individuals. Slightly fewer than 16 percent are considered chronically homeless.  About 62,619 or 10 percent of the homeless population are veterans.

 There are professionals and workers who lost their jobs, the mentally ill, the elderly, teens and spouses escaping from an abusive family life. The main reason they are homeless is because they cannot find housing they can afford.

^{Photo by Dan Lee}

After Hurricane Katrina the federal government passed a law that emergency shelters and transportation had to accept pets since many people refused to evacuate if it meant leaving pets behind. There is no such accommodation for the homeless. Almost all of the 500,000 shelters do not accept pets. Many of the homeless will not leave their pets behind to stay in a shelter or to take advantage of other services.

Putting pets in already overcrowded animal shelters where they stand a good chance of being euthanized is not a particularly good solution. Many times the pet is the only living thing that gives that person love with no judgment or conditions. For some, caring for the animal provides some touch with normalcy and reality. The dogs also provide some measure of protection. Living on the street is not a safe life.

Pets of the Homeless is just one organization that is making a difference. Not only do they distribute food for pets at over 200 collection sites in the US, but they raise money in order to give grants to veterinarians so that they can give free care to this population of animals.

They also are educating homeless shelters with their Sleeping Crate Project and providing collapsible crates, feeding bowls and cleaning supplies so that homeless pet owners can spend the night in the shelter with their pet. This can be the first step to moving a person out of homelessness.

They have collected well over 176 tons of pet food for the homeless and sponsored numerous wellness clinics for pets that include exams, vaccinations and signing up for spay and neuter services.

The Pets of the Homeless web site is very comprehensive. They explain what they do and why. They keep a list of places around the country that give out free food and free medical attention. Like any charitable organization, they ask for help, but help can be in any form. Even a donation of a dollar is welcome. They have a page listing things anyone can do from just talking to people and businesses to educate them about how they can help, to donations. One task they mention is simply rebagging pet food into smaller portions. Most homeless cannot carry a 50 pound bag of dog food on their backs.

• Visit the site Pets of the Homeless  web site and tell others about it. Watch their video on their web site.
• Volunteer at a local food bank or pantry. This can open the door for them to start offering pet food donated by Pets of the Homeless.
• Ask local veterinarians, pet stores, groomers and other retail stores if they have heard of Pets of the Homeless and would be willing to become a Collection Site.
• Tell veterinarians and homeless shelters about the Grant Program.
• Go to their Facebook page and vote in the photo contest. It only costs $1.
• Read more about things you can do To Help.