This Valentine’s Day, let’s give our hearts to those pets that aren’t homeless, but just happen to not have a home.

Pets of the Homeless is an organization that addresses the necessary care of pets who’ve become homeless with their owners. Much-needed food, supplies and veterinary care are provided through a network of voluntary businesses and caring individuals throughout the U.S. and Canada. Many of us are not aware of either the scope of the homeless problem, or ways we can help.

ACT NOW!

• Share petsofhomeless.org
• Like Pets of the Homeless on Facebook
• Follow Pets of the Homeless on Twitter

TO DO MORE:

• Ask: Does your local soup kitchen or food pantry provide for pets? Many do not. Soup kitchens, food banks and homeless shelters can become distributors of the food and supplies from Pets of the Homeless.  Distribution Form

• Suggest: Local businesses to consider becoming a collection site. Many types of businesses might be interested – vets, groomers, pet shops and feed stores, even dental offices and schools have signed up. Becoming a collection site

• Raise awareness: Talk with your local veterinarians and their assistants. Grants are provided to help offset the expenses of travelling to where needy pets are, and for the needed vaccinations, neutering, deworming, flea and tick prevention/eradication, etc. Grant Information

• Encourage: Local homeless shelters to consider the Sleeping Crate program. Many are not aware of this program, and may consider allowing pets into their buildings through the use of this. Pets of the Homeless provides crates, food bowls, cleaning supplies and food for interested shelters to address this need.

• Volunteer

Why It Matters

According to Pets of the Homeless, anywhere from 5% to 10% of our homeless population (and in some cases as much as nearly 25%) have pets.  As Ken White states in the site’s blog, “I have seen abuse and neglect of the pets of wealthy and impoverished alike, just as I’ve seen wonderfully loving and supportive relationships between animals and people on every rung of the economic ladder. One issue, of course, is that economics can and often do contribute to an inability to provide what can be costly services.”

Addressing the needs of the oft-forgotten, Pets of the Homeless provides necessary food and supplies; required healthcare is provided by vets who give of their time. Additionally, Pets of the Homeless offers grants to help defray the expenses these vets incur while doing such wonderful work. The organization’s Sleeping Crates Program is one that has been a long time in coming; often, the homeless will sleep outdoors – in spite of unhealthy and at times dangerous weather – in order to remain with their pet. By providing crates and supplies to shelters, pets can be allowed inside.

Our hearts go out to those who are suffering, who have lost their homes and struggle to maintain life on the streets. For those who also have a pet, one can only imagine the powerful bond between the two. With the help of Pets of the Homeless, we can ensure these pets have nutritious food, needed medical care, and can sleep beside their owners safely indoors.

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