Dog Ownership And Homelessness.
Many people who find themselves homeless are also dog owners. Sadly, dog owning homeless people face unfair criticism for having a pet. Homelessness is a complex issue which many people face. If you, or anyone you know, are experiencing a housing crisis while owning pets, please read our Holidays4Dogs article for further information and support.
Sadly, homelessness has increased in the UK. In April 2024 the homeless charity St Mungo’s reported the extent the housing crisis on people who own pets, was huge. 50% of people in the survey reported they had been in situations where they were forced to choose between access to housing, or keeping their pets.
48% said they experienced discrimination when trying to find housing that allow pets. Many of these people were trying to access private rented properties. So many, face the heart-breaking decision of re-homing their pet in order to secure a roof over their heads.
The importance of pets.
It should never be underestimated just how much pets mean to people. Dog owners frequently regard their four-legged companions as friends, trusted confidants – members of the family. This is true of any dog owner, not just those who have a secure home.
Indeed, the support of a pet is probably even more important to people who are dealing with instability and untold worry. Animals can be a lifeline for people experiencing crisis situations by providing comfort and support, which can help with health and well-being.
In recent years there has been much more interest in the animal-human bond and it’s relevance to human well-being. Research has shown, animals provide health and social benefits to people in a wide range of circumstances. As a result, experts are able to apply this knowledge and develop animal-assisted therapy programmes to a diverse range of vulnerable people.
Why, then, are people facing a housing, or homeless crisis, being denied the right to keep their pet with them?
Lack of pet friendly housing.
Even for those wanting and able to move house, finding pet friendly accommodation can be hard. Many people in recent years have found themselves having to give up a much-loved pet because landlords won’t accept them.
Staggeringly, only 8% of landlords list pet friendly properties and yet, 76% of renters own a pet, or intend on getting one in the future. Furthermore, according to Battersea Dogs Home, 39% of people relinquishing a pet come from tenants who cannot take their pets with them.
For more information on renting with pets – please read our other article here.
The social stigma of homeless pet owners.
For homeless people this is even harder, as hostels and refuge centres, often do not accept pets. This puts pet owners facing homelessness at a further disadvantage. On top of this, homeless people with pets are often stigmatised for owning pets in the first place.
Many homeless people are accused of not looking after their animals properly. However, many animals on the streets are well cared for and much loved. Crucially, they provide a great deal of solace and comfort to people experiencing housing crisis. It is important to note, too, – many pet owning people who find themselves without a home, had a pet before they became homeless. To lose them, is unbearable for many.
Dogs help dismantle social barriers.
It has long been known that dogs can act as a catalyst for conversation and communication between people. Nowhere is this more important than among the homeless community.
There is still a lack of understanding and misconceptions among people who work to support homeless people – borne out in the fact that, not every hostel accepts pets. This logic is down to perceived health and safety risks. However, where hostels that do accept pets – there are many benefits not just for owners, but for other service users too.
Support for homeless people with pets.
Despite the difficulties that homeless people face when they have a pet, there is growing acknowledgement of the importance of keeping pets and owners together. The charity StreetVet has been working with homeless people since 2016. They provide a range of veterinary services as well as an accredited hostel scheme. This important scheme offers training and support to hostels, in order to help them establish pet positive policies.
Similarly, the homeless charity Mungo’s, report that 50% of individuals have been forced to choose housing over their pet. They report the situation is not getting any better, with more and more people experiencing housing challenges.
While many of us are able to sleep comfortably in a bed, in our own houses, this is not the reality for a growing number of others. This is a huge social issue, but we can all do our bit to spread awareness.
We have created a list of support and resources for anyone facing a housing crisis, or for people working in this sector.
StreetVet – free essential veterinary care for people experiencing homelessness in multiple locations throughout the UK.
Dogs Trust – provides free veterinary care to people in housing crisis. Help finding pet friendly temporary accommodation. Christmas parcel service, sending goodies to vulnerable dog owners.
St Mungo’s – provide a range of services which helps homeless people to rebuild lives including outreach, accommodation, health, criminal justice, skills and employment, women and migrants.
Street Paws – aims to empower homeless people to remain with their pets. Street Paws partner with temporary housing providers to become pet friendly. Dog Champion Scheme to ensure homeless individuals can be welcomed with their pets.
Dogs on the street – free veterinary care, food provisions, training and grooming, housing and fostering advice.
Endeavour (NW England ) – pet fostering service for people fleeing domestic abuse.
Cats Protection ‘Lifeline’ – fostering service for cat owners fleeing domestic abuse.
St Annes Homeless Hostel ( Birmingham ) – providing accommodation for homeless men and their pets.
Arc Paws Project – (SW England Taunton) – accommodation.
Shelter England – advice and help for anyone in housing crisis.
Gingerbread – housing advice and helpline – 0808 802 0925.
