Shelter Spotlight: Pets of the Homeless

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Whether you’re looking for help or want to help out, Pets of the Homeless is here for you. This organization feeds and provides emergency veterinary care to pets of the homeless.


Homelessness has become something of an epidemic in the United States but it doesn’t just affect people – there are plenty of homeless pets out there as well. There are many organizations out there who seek to care for and find homes for pets who have been abandoned or neglected, but there is only one organization that caters to the needs of pets owned by people who are homeless themselves. Keep reading to learn more about this organization and what you do can do support it.


Understanding the Needs of Homeless Pets


According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, there are as many as 3.5 million people who are homeless in the United States. Furthermore, as many as 5% to 10% of those homeless individuals have dogs or cats. Many people who experience homelessness do so for a short period of time until they can get help finding housing.


Related: Luvable Dog Rescue


For homeless individuals who have pets, however, it is often a matter of choosing between the pet and having a place to live. For those who choose their pets, there are some unique challenges that must be faced including finding food to feed the pet and access to veterinary care. That’s where Pets of the Homeless comes into play.


What Services Does Pets of the Homeless Provide?


The Pets of the Homeless shelter is a 501(c)(3) organization and the only national organization that is focused specifically on providing food and veterinary care to the pets of people who are homeless. This organization believes that everyone deserves a faithful friend and companion, no matter what their living situation, and that all pets deserve the best care possible.


Related: National Service Dogs


Pets of the Homeless is dedicated to caring for the basic needs of pets who are owned by people of limited means, providing basic emergency veterinary care and food. The organization was founded by Genevieve Frederick who has made it her mission to raise awareness and support for homeless pets and their people.


How Can You Support This Organization?


If you have a heart for homeless pets and you want to support this organization, there are a number of different ways you can help. This organization offers services across the United States and Canada and they rely on volunteers and charitable donations to offer those services.


Pets for the Homeless is always in need of monetary and food donations – you can also volunteer by recruiting pet food donation sites in your own community. All of the supplies will be delivered or picked up by the organization; all you have to do is be the liaison. If none of those options seems amenable to you, you can always spread the word about Pets of the Homeless via social media or even sponsor a fundraising event.

Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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