Given that pets offer comfort, unconditional love, and protection, it's easy to understand that pet owners experiencing homelessness want to keep their four-legged family members with them. Unfortunately, many temporary housing shelters and human service providers are not set up to accommodate pets. This forces some owners to make difficult decisions, such as whether to sleep in their cars or on the streets so they can keep their pets. In some cases, owners surrender their pet companions in order to access more services.
Throughout the nation, many animal welfare organizations, including Houston PetSet, are beginning to work more closely with human service agencies and the community to provide support to pet owners. This includes offering free pet food, collars, leashes, and access to routine and emergency veterinary care. Here in Houston, Houston PetSet’s generous donations to the Coalition help keep furry companions of our unsheltered population safe and healthy.