Pets of the homeless and disadvantaged

do not choose their owners.

A well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work.  The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.”  The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog.   This scene is probably something that goes on more often than we would like to think.

Photo by Keith Peters

It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless that between 5% to 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In some areas of the country the rate is as high as 24%.  Most people who experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy.   But unfortunately for those with pets it becomes more difficult.  Many are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head.  Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time.  Their pets are nonjudgmental, providing comfort, an emotional bond of loyalty.  In some cases they provide the homeless with protection and keep them warm.  The tragic part is that the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners. 

The National Alliance to End Homelessness whose data for January 2005 estimated that 744,313 people in the U.S. experienced homelessness (that was the annual count for one night).  And that 56 percent of homeless people counted were living in shelters and transitional housing and, shockingly, 44 percent were unsheltered.  59 percent of homeless people counted were single adults and 41 percent wee persons living in families.  In total 98,452 homeless families were counted.  23 percent of homeless people were reported as chronically homeless, which, according to HUD's definition, means that they are homeless for long periods or repeatedly and have a disability.  A number of states had high rates of homelessness, including Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington State.  In addition, Washington, DC had a high rate of homeless people.           These figures are the latest that NAEH has published.

·        “I've known that we have wonderful clients for a long time and this project shows that with an exclamation point. The day after the announcement, the bin was filled and overflowing. Everything has been passed along to FISH and the bin is already being refilled. The emotional support offered by a pet may be something that helps a person get back who they really are and I am pleased that we may be able to help.” -  Dr. Gary L. Ailes – Sierra Veterinary Hospital

To donate pet food in your community check to see if a local collection site is listed.  If not, take an extra can or bag of pet food to your local veterinarian or another business and ask him/her to enroll so you and others in your community can help feed the pets of homeless and disadvantaged.  Or become a Sponsor.  You can make a difference to someone who has a loving loyal companion pet.

    Photo by Franco Folini

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