A controversial topic, and one that has been receiving a lot of media attention lately, is the discussion surrounding companion animals in homeless shelters. On one hand is the argument that pets can be a strain on the already meager budgets allocated to helping our country’s homeless population. Especially when many animals require veterinary attention, additional food or medications.
However, a recent poll has revealed that over 90% of homeless pet owners would rather sleep on the street than give up their beloved companion for a night in a shelter. Most of the time, this means spending their nights cold and hungry. And, in fact, many said they regularly go hungry so their pet can eat instead. It is believed that up to 10% of Canada’s homeless have pets, with the majority of these homeless pets being medium-to-large breed dogs. In fact, a University of Windsor Professor believes the percentage of homeless pet owners in our community could be as high as 25%.
So what does this say about the importance of companion animals for both men and women living on the streets?
Not only are these animals loved companions, they’re also friends, therapy animals, and much needed family. For many of our nation’s homeless, their pets are their only source of constant, non-judgemental, and unconditional love. That’s why more shelters across the country are making efforts to accommodate pets. While all shelters are required to accept certified guide dogs into their care, companion animals are not allowed in most. Currently, only a small fraction of shelters allow pets inside their walls. Thankfully, most will coordinate with kennels and fosters to ensure pets are cared for while their owners are staying in the shelter. Unfortunately, many would rather brave the elements than be separated from their beloved pets.
In Ontario, for example, there are 10 women’s shelters that allow pets. However, most are only permitted on a case-by-case basis, or only allow pets for up to two nights during crisis situations.
A high number of women in abusive relationships often stay in unsafe environments for fear of what may happen to their beloved pet if left behind.
In fact, 89% of women reported the abuse they endured also happened to their pet, with many pets being fatally injured. Half of the women admitted to staying with their abusive partner because they had nowhere to go that would welcome their pet, too. This has prompted and Ottawa-based shelter, the women-only Interval House, to begin allowing pets in 2018. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association is also helping out. They’ve created the SafePet Program, which aims to find temporary foster care for animals of women leaving abusive relationships.
Why Aren’t More Shelters Allowing Homeless Pets Already?
While many shelters are intending to allow homeless pets in the future, very few are currently doing it. Less than three percent of homeless and women’s shelters in the country accept companion animals. There are many hurdles for facilities wishing to include animals. This includes additional insurance requirements, and also the cost of food for homeless pets. It can also mean the need for appropriate littering areas, access to veterinary care, and more. This can be too much for shelters with already threadbare budgets. In fact, of the 450 shelters in Canada, less than 10 currently accept animals unconditionally.
Thankfully, awareness is increasing about the vital role that companion animals play in the lives of the homeless men and women who love them. And we can all help out, too. Consider donating pet food to your local food bank, a much needed but often overlooked staple. Also consider contacting your local shelter or outreach to see what donations and supplies are most needed. And if you can, consider helping the cause by supporting the SafePet program to foster animals in need.
8 Responses
Im from Edmonton an. As of Friday this week my puppy who is coming up 9.months old and a Doberman Rottweiler who in Edmonton is a restricted breed I guess. As well my brother who has epilepsy. Me and my brither r not getting along because he let m stay with him and my friend left his puppy here and never came back. So i adopted him. But then we were kicked out because it’s a no pet place. Now I had homeward trust and another organization helping me untill someone at homeward trust said that my dog was aggressive when he never spentn5 min with him. Sure he’s hyper and wants to play and yes the place was stressful but he put a report in that has got me no communication. For 3 weeks after talking to the manager because I felt I was being treated like a low class citizen from this worker, I’ve had no contact and have been ghosted from them. Im not sure what has hapoened. I was told i was going to get a years help with rent And bills and now nothing. I have till this Friday and I’m not sure what to do. They told ment o get rid of the dog and go to a shelter in the area of alot of my trauma happened. I’ve been unstable now for 5 years. I cant go back ti that area it will be bad for my mental health and my safety. But that’s what my option was. And I don’t want to give my dog up. The so called pet program we have the adopt the dog out right away. With out permission for the owner. I’ve asked around and even an ambulance driver told me thats right because 99 % of owners dint cime back for their animals. Well I’m the 1 % then and dint want to take that chance because they never get the dog back. So being homeless and fleeing abusive situations and struggling to gain strength and momentum to get back my life I have to deal with the worry of not getting my dog back and being surrounded by ppl and environmental triggers due to the trauma I had to endure and have fought so hard to try to iver come? How the heck is that called being helped or nothing more than being thrown to the wolves and forgotten? This is totally against my human right. And the act. Woe im so disturbed by this kerffufle in the system maybe is what it is?. Now the shelter here in Edmonton r not safe they have been ran over by the red alert gang making ppl pay for the use of beds, showers ECT. My brother when he stayed in a shelter was sleeping and tabbed in the back of the head wirh a pen. Now that’s safe ok. Its sick how the government will let these things happen without prejudice and or action. Its turned into a circus of caged animals that have broken loose. Like get with the program please they have no control over a person’s free will or their rights. Look at me I was ghosted from a large organization and forgotten about. Like who.cares she a lost cause or What?. I need some help here. Please !!! Before Friday. Thanks for listening.
Hello Jessica,
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry to hear about what you’re going through.
It’s troubling to hear your dog was labeled as aggressive without proper assessment. Document all your interactions and promises made by them; this can help if you need to escalate the issue or seek legal advice.
Regarding shelters, it’s unacceptable that you feel unsafe. Your safety and mental health should be a priority. Here are some steps that might help:
1. Reach Out to Advocacy Groups: Some groups help people with pets find safe housing. They might provide assistance or connect you with resources to keep you and your dog together.
2. Contact Local Representatives: Local government representatives might bring attention to your case and help find a solution.
3. Seek Legal Advice: Consider seeking legal advice, as some organizations offer free services and can help you understand your rights.
4. Raise Public Awareness: Sharing your story with local news or on social media can sometimes prompt quicker responses from organizations and highlight the need for better policies.
Your situation shows the need for better policies that recognize the bond between people and their pets. Please keep us updated on your situation.
It’s too bad there weren’t more comments showing interest in this topic as pets do need to be allowed in shelters. At least they need to find away to accommodate them. I think you need to experience the homeless with their pets to understand the bond and their survival is about loving the other. Taking that away from either the dog or the person is cruel which is why they choose the street over the shelter. They have already lost so much and they are being asked to give up the very thing keeping them going.
It is heartbreaking all of it I would rather be on the streets than a shelter if I had to give my pets up
Hi, my is Paulette, i am currently homeless ever since I lost my husband on October and moved from cranbrook bc to ottawa ontario and I have a shiatsu that’s been by my side for almost 16 years now. And I don’t want to go into the shelters in ottawa because that would mean leaving my previous baby or having to get rid of him, and like everyone else who are homeless with a pet I would rather sleep outside than spend one single minute without my baby I would mean so much to me and to everyone else who are homeless in ottawa to be able to bring our beloved animals in shelter with us we need the shelters in ottawa to open the door not only to us but to are pets as well ottawa needs to do more for single people who are homeless, like being able to go to the hotels or motels that the ottawa government purchased during covid-19. When I asked about those motel room when speaking to a social worker from the city of ottawa a few days ago I was informed that those motel rooms were for families with children only how unfair is that if your single you get nothing we deserve a roof over our heads also.
Dear Paulette,
I am so sorry to hear about the difficult situation you are going through. Losing a loved one and being homeless can be incredibly challenging and overwhelming, and I can only imagine how much harder it must be to navigate this situation while trying to keep your beloved shiatsu by your side.
I can understand why you would not want to leave your pet behind, as they are often an important source of comfort and companionship, especially in times of hardship. It’s clear that your shiatsu means the world to you, and I appreciate the strength of your love and commitment to your furry friend.
It’s deeply concerning to hear that the shelters in Ottawa do not allow pets, and that the motel rooms purchased by the government during Covid-19 are only available to families with children. I agree that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home, regardless of their family status or circumstances, and I empathize with your frustration and disappointment.
Please know that there are people and organizations out there who are working to advocate for the rights and needs of homeless individuals and their pets. I encourage you to reach out to local shelters and advocacy groups in Ottawa to see if there are any resources or support available to help you and your pet.
In the meantime, I want you to know that you are not alone, and that your situation is valid and important. I hope that you are able to find the assistance and compassion you deserve, and that you and your shiatsu are able to find a safe and secure place to call home soon.
I have two dogs, and it would be very hard for me to be separated from them, even for a short time. I also work in a 60-bed shelter for homeless women, and I can’t imagine the stress my dogs would experience being surrounded by 60 strangers, and their own dogs, in all the chaos and conflict that is common in the shelter. Where do animal experts stand on discussion?
Hello, Elizabeth. Thank you for your post.
Not all dogs have the disposition needed to be put in a homeless shelter setting, as it will most likely be a major source of stress and/or anxiety, and may trigger unwanted reactive behaviours. It may not be the perfect setting, and it will require some effort on the owner’s part to ensure their dog receives the proper support needed to adjust to their new environment. It would be nice if homeless shelters partnered up with canine behavioural experts to help coach individuals with pets to work through any behavioural issues during these difficult times.
The more awareness we can bring to this issue, the better!