Choosing Pets Over Shelter
Published December 20, 2008 @ 06:21AM PT
How do you choose between shelter and a best friend? This is the impossible decision pet-lovers face when losing their homes. Since most shelters don't allow animals, homeless people with pets often elect to stay on the streets rather than part with their four-legged companion... a decision that can be dangerous when the elements become harsh.
Indeed, pets can be a key reason that homeless people choose living on the streets over shelters. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that between five and ten percent of homeless people have an animal companion (although this has never been formally surveyed). Yet, only two (yes, just 2!) pet-friendly homeless shelters exist in the United States (in Florida and California).
The benefits of having a pet are significant, particularly for homeless people. Pets are non-judgmental and loyal, almost to a fault. They may serve as additional security and protection on the dangerous streets. And studies show that they contribute to the healing process for people with mental or physical illness. According to one expert:
In this very busy twentieth century, man is a lonely creature. There are too many alienated individuals who lack human companionship. They lack purpose and productivity. A simple addition to these lonely lives can sometimes accomplish major changes. The possession of a pet, who eagerly awaits one and responds to one's care and attention, may mean the difference between maintaining contact with reality or almost total withdrawal into fantasy. Literally, a pet can occasionally represent the difference between life and death.
One organization, Feeding Pets of the Homeless, takes a different approach to this issue. Their take? "Pets of the homeless and disadvantaged do not choose their owners." To ensure that pets of the homeless receive care and nourishment, they have established a coalition of food banks and veterinarians specifically for pets of the homeless. (Find out if your community is connected.)
Certainly, it's important to ensure that the pets of homeless people receive adequate care. However, it is even more crucial to recognize that four-legged companions are a key part of a homeless person's life, but may also create an impermeable barrier for the delivery of life-saving services to homeless people.
Sadly, it is unlikely that more pet-friendly shelters will materialize in the near future, given that many organizations are already struggling to meet the needs of homeless humans (although, Vancouver, BC is the proud new owner of such a shelter).
[Picture: Homeless man with dog from Feeding Pets of the Homeless.]
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Comments (25)
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Author
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Shannon has worked in homeless shelters and service organizations in San Francisco, the Triangle region of North Carolina, and currently in the greater Boston area. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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I see this way to often. If I was in the same place as these people I would do the same, I will never let anyone come between me and my dog. There dogs are often there only family they have.
Posted by Xavier Von Otwell on 12/20/2008 @ 01:08PM PT
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Dog lovers in South Florida! I found a few Web sites that you might like; I have a German shepherd with severe
behavior problems and a few people in the South Florida area recommended a
dog trainer Edel from
www.k9advisors.com. I met with Edel and I cannot believe how fast he trained my dog. I liked this site because they are always giving back to the community and
they volunteer for many pet rescue and animal advocacy groups. Check out the
FREE Dog Training tips on his website
www.k9advisors.com.
If you are looking for Florida dog events go to
www.floridadogevents.com they
provide useful information to pet owners about pet events, dog parks, and local
pet friendly places. They also wish to help pet rescue efforts and help educate
on the importance of responsible pet ownership. If you are looking for a dog walker,
Pet Sitters or
cageless boarding you can
go to www.dogsgowalking.com, I work
late hours and they take care of my dog when I am home late or out of town. I recommend them to all of my friends with dogs and everyone likes them.
Posted by Pete Pekofsky on 08/10/2009 @ 10:24PM PT
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hey shannon. thanks so much for writing. i've been in the position of seeking shelter from a shelter for women and being told no time and again because of my dog....and in those times oddly i did have access to a vehicle...and more often than not i'd sleep in my car. And when that became ridiculous after a while i used a credit card...people of all walks of life are homeless...there are no set stereotypes as you well know nor for their pets..what would it take to create pet friendly shelters like we now have pet friendly hotel chains? even if for folks in transition and if needed mandated short term stays? I'm in Boston like you...email me at evolveserenity@gmail.com if you wanna chat further. Meanwhile, thanks much for this post and your work to raise awareness.
Tresha Thorsen
Posted by tresha thorsen on 12/20/2008 @ 06:03PM PT
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I see this all the time as well, and wish more shelters would be willing to have some sort of acomidations for pets. But I can understand thier side too, some in the shelter may not clean up after pet messes, and the pets may be a danger to other people or more likely other animals. You wouldn't believe how many dogs can handle all the people in the world but hate other dogs, I work at doggy day care and see it every day. Shelters don't have time to deal with seperate cages for each dog, and can't trust strange dogs together. This is a bad situtation all around and I really hope that some solution can be found.
Posted by Allison Waters on 12/20/2008 @ 07:52PM PT
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Some shelters will help people to find temporary placement for their pet while they are able to find a new home. (At least that's the case for one family shelter in Ontario, Canada). The dogs (usually cats) often go to the vet's where they free food, medical attention/check-up and a place to live. This is not advertised as it is a privilege when a vet's office decides to help out. For the transient homeless (those living on the street), it is my understanding that most of them obtain their pet as a companion and as a protector. They also know that people are more likely to donate their spare change when they see the face of an animal. My suggestions for the homeless shelters is to contact animal shelters/private animal caregivers/vets that are willing to donate time/resources to caring for an animal until the homeless person is able to secure a new home. Often transient homeless people do not wish to enter a shelter because of the firm dictated rules and the lack of security to their personal effects. Being homeless is certainly demeaning ...
Posted by Cynthia C on 12/20/2008 @ 08:58PM PT
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Perhaps veterinarians could be contacted to allow sleep-overs for pets at little or no charge. Even if they had room for one, at any given time, that would help.
Posted by Brenda Johnson on 12/20/2008 @ 09:54PM PT
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I do not mean to compare my experience to the permanant, depressing, situation of homelessness, but last week on a very cold week many of us here in Mass. were without heat or power. I can not tell you how many people I met (including myself) who stayed at home in a freezing, dark house because they did not want leave a pet home. I know without a doubt of course, that my dog would never have left my side no matter how bad it got.
Posted by Charlie Reed on 12/21/2008 @ 06:58AM PT
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They should allow pets in shleters at night; but not in the day; in this way the people could take the pets dog or cat outside to feed and exercise etc. pets do need shelter at night thoough
They should allow pets to sleep in the people shelters as well; A,
Posted by A H on 12/21/2008 @ 07:42AM PT
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I forgot to add though, on a selfish side, my toes were nice and toasty under chubby belly!
Posted by Charlie Reed on 12/21/2008 @ 07:57AM PT
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Thank you for your wonderful article. If more people can understand and help our world would be better. I love the quote by Martin L. King, Jr. - "Never be afraid to do what's right especially if the well being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way."
I hope your readers will help us help pets of the homeless, we provide pet food through our members and medical care through grants to veterinarians.
Posted by Genevieve Frederick on 12/21/2008 @ 10:03AM PT
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idea would be muzzles for all animals from poodles to pit bulls. every thing would be supplied by the fed! ie mezzles for dogs crates for cats/ all can be worked out to help that problem. me and my family might be on the streets soon very soon du to childsupport. but there is no shelter around here .we will not go to a shelter anyway if are dog was not accepted. we own a pit bull so the chances are that mean vicious baby killer would not be accepted anyway so it would be of to the woods or a corner some where. so please look at what i propose than you
Posted by jeff novascone on 12/21/2008 @ 11:25AM PT
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I would do the same. My heart aches for anyone in such a position. I too have been there. We are all the same and this could happen to anyone.
Posted by Carrie Klossner on 12/21/2008 @ 12:08PM PT
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This is so sad. There needs to be more done to help both the people and their beloved pets. Food & veterinary care can help, but it is terrible that people can't have shelter then. There needs to be more shelters that allow pets and more to help prevent homelessness to begin with. No person or animal should have to live that way and many homeless are veterans who served our country. We owe them so much more.
Posted by Joanna Tierno on 12/21/2008 @ 12:44PM PT
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There was a time when homelessness in America was minimal. Then came Ronald Wilson Reagan as the shill for the Corporate Right. His job was to completely unravel the liberal social nets in this nation, and thirty years after Reagan has met his Maker, we have these pictures that bring a tear to everyone but the heartless fascist.
Posted by A B on 12/21/2008 @ 01:18PM PT
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They should allow pets to sleep in the people shelters as well. Thy should fix a place for the Dogs.
Posted by Michael Owens on 12/21/2008 @ 01:20PM PT
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They passed a law after Katrina to allow people to bring their pets since so many had to make that horrible choice back then. Our 'pets' are our family. They are too important to treat differently. Shelters would be better off in so many ways if they would allow animals. I see the theraputic advantage all the time in being around animals and allowing others to experience their unconditional love.
Posted by darla shelden on 12/21/2008 @ 02:37PM PT
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i m in a position of staying in the free bedroom or pay for another one mainly 'cause of my cats.this is much easier,i no.those who choose pet friends over shelter are great.
Posted by Anna Shi on 12/24/2008 @ 06:45PM PT
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This breaks my heart. I hope more shelters open to that allow pets. Many people consider their pets to be their children. Homeless pets do deserve decent food and care. Ahhhh....this makes me cry.
Posted by Ros Jones on 12/28/2008 @ 08:24AM PT
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I co run the Safety Net Program in NYC which provides low cost boarding and (free) foster homes for the pets of people who have become homeless. We have limited services as we are growing and there is an application, but we try to keep pets and their people together during these crises. We also donate food when we can. www.nycacc.org/safetynet.htm We need MORE FOSTER HOMES so if you live in NYC or the nearby area, and want to foster, please go to our webpage and contact us or email me at jfriedman@nycacc.org All supplies provided.
Posted by Joyce Friedman on 12/30/2008 @ 07:27AM PT
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Funny while foraging through a dumpster looking for food this little, no-tailed cat peeked up and squeaked. My heart broke, I could clearly see myself, as she too was trying to forage for scraps to survive. But from that moment on she ate when I ate. She becme mine, we are still together, 14yrs later.
Posted by SusanE Tisdale on 01/31/2009 @ 12:46PM PT
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They are too important to treat differently. Shelters would be better off in so many ways if they would allow animals.
Posted by dogs dogs on 02/11/2009 @ 01:03AM PT
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A homeless woman knocked on my door last night and asked if she could please crash on my floor for the night and if she could borrow a pillow & blanket. I asked her some questions and discovered that she has been living in her car with three cats. She had just quit her part time job working for Macy's grocery store because it was too difficult and stressful trying to maintain a job wile living in her car. I asked her about her cats and she said that she has had them since 2000 and they were her family and she would NOT give them up for anything. All she wanted was a warm place to sleep for a night. I took her in and pulled out the sofa bed and made it up for her. She was so exhausted that she went right to sleep. First thing this morning she got up, made up the bed and left. I can't imagine choosing pets over a shelter, but I guess if they are all you have in the whole world, then what right does anyone have to tell you to give them up? I want so badly to help this person, but don't know how. Isn't there something somewhere that would take her in with her pets?
Posted by Sharon Hicks on 02/18/2009 @ 11:14AM PT
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My bestfriends are homeless;literally.
I love them, there my brothers, basically.
One of them, Brandon, has a dog named Snoop. Snoops the coolest dog a ever met, he just like one of us. He skates around with us, eats whatever food we manage to get with us, and sleep where ever we can call home for a night. And I'm upset he has to live on the street sometimes, he seems to like it, he's a happy dog. But it causes burden when Brandon migh thave a mouse to sleep, but the dog can't stay. So i definitely understand this fight. Help out if you see a homeless dog, buy him some food, you don't know how much he'll appreciate it.
Posted by William Green on 07/20/2009 @ 12:59PM PT
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I found this article doing a google search on homelessness with pets. My ex left me, I lost my job, and the economy is so bad I can't find a new one. The bank is starting foreclosure on my house and I have 3 Pit Bulls. No one will rent to me with me, especially with bad credit now and no job. So, I intend to buy a tent and find a place in the woods somewhere to hide for a while. I hope I can find services like these in my area.
Posted by Geneva Miller on 10/03/2009 @ 07:23PM PT
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In June I had major surgery, while recovering, the company I worked for was shutting their doors. I was let go, my estranged husband who was paying the rent did not tell me, he used the money in the account on himself/immediate family. Rent check bounce for Sept/Oct, landlord gave me 3 days to pay or vacate the premises, now I need to get out by tomorrow. Oct 7Th I will be officially homeless. I have a small dog Maltese shitzu 7yrs old, and a American pit bull 2yr 2mos. I can't see myself giving them up, especially when I saved them from the streets, I know when it comes to my pets I get selfish. I rather euthanize my pets, because no will love them like I do. They both have giving me so much unconditional love and protection, they both have such strong personality and I don't have family who I can lean on to help me with my dogs or my living arrangements. Tomorrow I will know if they live on with me or euthanized by the hands of humane society. My heart is aching just the thought of it.
Posted by Allebarim Ilif on 10/06/2009 @ 11:43AM PT
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