Each year, Dogs Trust brings festive cheer to the dogs of people experiencing homelessness by delivering ‘Christmas Parcels’ filled with collars, leads, coats, treats and balls. This year, in response to the reported rise in homelessness across the UK, Dogs Trust is scaling up its support, delivering more parcels than ever before – 30% more than in 2023.  
 
Together Through Homelessness has been providing support to people experiencing homelessness for over 30 years. Alongside distributing Christmas hampers, the service offers free veterinary treatments for dog owners experiencing homelessness and supports homelessness services to become pet friendly.  
 
In the past twelve months, Together Through Homelessness has funded over 1,600 vet treatments for dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. 
 
The parcels are delivered via a network of more than 270 homelessness services around the country, all working to support people experiencing homelessness this Christmas. One of these is The Salvation Army. 
 
Clare Staniford, Salvation Army Assistant Director for Homelessness for the North West and East England area, said:

“We are really grateful to The Dogs Trust for providing these hampers, helping us create a happy environment for our residents and their pets this Christmas time. 
 
“We know how important dogs are to many of our residents, bringing them much joy and helping improve their overall wellbeing. To be able to acknowledge how much support they give to people with a little gift is a wonderful thing to do.”   
 

James Hickman, Head of Outreach Projects at Dogs Trust said:

“Everyone knows that the bond between a dog and its owner is a strong one, but for people experiencing homelessness, it can become an unbreakable lifeline. 
 
“With the rise in homelessness and the ever-increasing cost of living, the need for support this year is even more crucial.  
 
“At Dogs Trust, we are committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness, and thanks to the generosity of Dogs Trust supporters, this year we’ll be able to spread more Christmas cheer and help over 2600 dogs celebrate the season alongside their best friends.” 
 

Michael and his dog Joey with his Christmas gifts at Salvation Army Swan Lodge Lifehouse, Sunderland

If you work for a homelessness service and would like to read more about how Together Through Homelessness can support you to become dog-friendly, click here. 

Homelessness and mental health issues are deeply intertwined, with a disproportionate number of people experiencing both. A recent study by Homeless Link revealed that 80% of people experiencing homelessness in England report mental health problems, significantly higher than the general population. For comparison, 23% of the general population have a mental health diagnosis. Trauma, a common experience for many people experiencing homelessness, can significantly impact mental health.

Dogs have proven to be invaluable companions for those who have experienced trauma. They can provide a sense of safety and security, helping people feel less alone and isolated. Their unconditional love and companionship can also contribute to emotional healing and recovery. Dogs are often our clients’ main or only motivating factor in their journey to a stable, permanent place to call home.

‘’My dog is my life saver, she really is. I would not have coped with homelessness and all the stress without her. We’re very connected. She knows when I am stressed, and she would rest her head on me. I also have depression, and she helps me so much to cope with that – she is the reason I get out every day.’’

Susan*, a Together Through Homelessness client (not her real name)

Photo credit: Richard Murgatroyd

While the bond between people experiencing homelessness and their dogs is incredibly special, it also presents unique challenges. Finding suitable dog-friendly temporary accommodation, accessing affordable veterinary care, and navigating public spaces with a pet can be difficult.

This is why Together Through Homelessness exists. Our main mission is to keep people and their pets together when they face the traumatising impacts of homelessness.

So far this year on Together Through Homelessness we have funded just over 1,000 vet treatments for 530 dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the UK.

‘’After Zeus was treated, his ears are back up and he is full of joy and bounce again. As soon as we got back to the temporary accommodation, he was in our bed fast asleep, I could tell he was relaxed. We are so happy with the service and were overjoyed with the help we have received from Together Through Homelessness.’’

Paul and Zeus, supported by Together Through Homelessness

We have also supported over 70 homelessness services across England, Wales and Scotland to become dog-friendly through our free endorsement scheme. This has meant that many dog owners who found themselves homeless have not had to choose between somewhere safe to sleep or giving up their beloved dog.

“Allowing dogs into the service, for both staff and service users, has been extremely successful. It has helped to foster a friendly caring atmosphere and has often helped to disarm people’s preconceptions of a homelessness service. It has supported the mental health and wellbeing of all, it is a conversation starter and a way to build rapport with people.”

Louise Hart, Service Manager at Framework, Lincolnshire – a homelessness service endorsed on Together Through Homelessness

If you would like to know more about the work of Together Through Homelessness, feel free to contact us.

This endorsement, given to homelessness services which go above and beyond to help people and their dogs stay together, highlights the brilliant work done by ETAAS across the community.

The rough sleeping snapshot, conducted by the Government each year, found that on a single night in Autumn 2023, 23 people were found to be sleeping rough in Exeter. However, this snapshot doesn't paint the full picture of street homelessness in Exeter, and is likely to be an underestimate of rough sleeping in the city as it doesn’t take into account those sleeping in hidden or unchecked locations. This snapshot also doesn’t represent statutory homelessness in the area, such as people living in temporary accommodation or sofa-surfing.

The rough sleeping snapshot revealed that across the UK, the number of people sleeping rough is now over 60% higher than it was a decade ago, with the biggest rise seen amongst women sleeping rough.

To support the local community, Prospects House provides 19 rooms for people in need of support and uniquely offers additional accommodation space for dog friendly emergency placements. The service can currently support up to three dogs at one time, with the dogs having access to communal areas available and being encouraged to feel at home, including having naps on the sofa.

The space offers residents rooms with an en-suite, laundry facilities, communal living areas, and plenty of outdoor space.

Abigail Owens, Pets and Housing Senior Regional Engagement Officer at Dogs Trust said:

“The space set up by Exeter Temporary Accommodation and Assessment Service known locally as Prospects House is lovely, and from speaking to the staff, I felt a sense of genuine care and passion for the services they provide.

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can access the services they need.

“Prospects House wants to make the environment as inclusive and welcoming as possible, for people from all walks of life. It is clear they have their residents’ wellbeing at the heart of their decisions, and I’m delighted to endorse this project and have the chance to work with them on implementing dog friendly procedures.”

Calvin Thain, Client Services Manager at Prospects House said:

“The ability to enable our customers to bring the one friend that has stayed by their side through their homeless period is amazing. Working with Dogs Trust has empowered us to be person-centred and dog-centred for the fur friends that support our emotional wellbeing.

‘’This has also enabled customers that would decline support and housing from other providers because they would have to find someone to either foster or take on their dogs. This barrier has now been removed.”

The dog friendly services provided by Prospects House will make a big difference to those experiencing homelessness in Exeter. In a recent survey of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers to accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.  

Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog. 

Just 51% of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog friendly. 

Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness project works directly with homelessness services to help them become dog friendly, offering bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog friendly policies to behaviour resources. The project also provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, an online directory of dog friendly homeless services in the UK and a Christmas parcel service for dog owners supported by homelessness services during the festive period.

To find out more about the Dogs Trust Together Through Homelessness free endorsement scheme and how we may be able to support your homelessness service to become dog-friendly, have a look at our dedicated webpage. 

 Abigail Owens and Michael Davies at St Mungo's Brighton
 
The accommodation is made up of 23 flats, with separate kitchens and living spaces, a perfect environment for someone transitioning to independent living with their dog. 
 
To ensure more people experiencing homelessness can stay with their pets, the Together Through Homelessness team at Dogs Trust supported St Mungo’s with implementing bespoke pet policies and an in-person consultation; the team also provided a starter pack of dog accessories, including dog beds, food, collars and leads.  
 
Alongside support in setting up the service, the Together Through Homelessness vet scheme is providing free vet care for all dogs living at the service going forward. 
 
Abigail Owens, Pets and Housing Senior Regional Engagement Officer at Dogs Trust said:

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. We don’t think anyone should have to choose between these essential services and their faithful friend, which is why we work with providers to offer dog friendly support. 
  
“It is great news that St Mungo’s is providing dog-friendly services for people experiencing homelessness in Brighton.” 
  

Remi Weremczuk, Service Manager at St Mungo’s said:

"We are delighted to welcome dogs into our hostels with their owners as we know just how important the bond between them is. Often a person's pet is their only support and their family, who they would never leave behind. 
  
“We look forward to our continued work with the Dog's Trust and thank them for the support thus far." 

In a recent survey of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers to accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.   
  
Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog.   
  
Just 51% of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog friendly.  
 
Our Together Through Homelessness project works directly with services to help them become dog friendly, offering bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources. The project also provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, an online directory of dog-friendly homeless services in the UK and a Christmas parcel service. 
 
If you work for a homelessness service and are interested in our free endorsement on Together Through Homelessness, do not hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss how we can support you to become dog-friendly.

Our Together Through Homelessness scheme supporting dog owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness is also seeing a rise in demand from people from across the country who are facing homelessness with their dogs. People like Marc* who became homeless at the age of 19 because of homophobia in his family home. Marc was sofa surfing for four months with his dog Lola* after being kicked out by his stepdad. During this time Marc noticed a lump on Lola’s body and booked an appointment at his local vet practice. He was told by the vets that it was cancer of the uterus and that Lola needed treatment urgently. Having lost his home and support network so recently, Marc was struggling financially and didn’t have enough money to cover the estimated costs.

 Photo by Olivia Hemingway

We were able to fund the cancer treatment for Lola and are continuing to support Marc with ongoing funding for Lola’s preventative vet care and dog food. Since Lola’s treatment, Marc shared with us:

‘’Once I had Lola’s cancer diagnosis, my mental health deteriorated significantly. The thought of losing her was just too much for me. Knowing that Together Through Homelessness could help me help Lola was what enabled me to get on top of things. This peace of mind also meant that I was able to look after my housing too.’’

Sadly, we know Marc’s story is one of many where young LGBTQ+ dog owners have lost their homes simply because of who they are. akt’s recent research for their Youth Homelessness Report reveals that over 60% felt threatened by their families before becoming homeless, and half feared being kicked out because of their sexuality or gender identity. With the majority of young LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness struggling to form friendships, their dog can often become their only source of comfort and warmth during a challenging time. This makes their bond with their dogs even stronger than that of people who don’t experience the same isolation and the mental health problems associated with it.

With less than half of young LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness aware of the support services available and the fear of discrimination within them, it is difficult for them to access the support they need to be able to resolve their homelessness and stay with their beloved dogs. This is why we work with partner organisations, such as akt, to ensure there is a direct and smooth referral pathway to our free vet care scheme. By working together, we know we can keep more young LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness and their dogs together.

If you are a young LGBTQ+ person experiencing homelessness, you are not alone. Get in touch with akt to explore how they may be able to support you. You can also get in touch with us here to get support with your dog’s vet care costs.

We are also open to working with other specialist support services for young and LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness with their dogs. Please do not hesitate to get in touch and find out more about how we can work together to help people stay with their pets.

On Together Through Homelessness, we have also seen an increase in the number of dog owners from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities who are approaching our free vet care scheme for people with? no fixed abode. We have been working with our partners at Friends, Families and Travellers to ensure dog owners living in vehicles with no permanent place to park are able to access free vet care for their dogs. Together, we are supporting a number of mutual clients so that they can access the vet care their dogs need and stay together during a challenging time.

One of the dog owners we have been supporting with free vet care is Jen* and her dog Buddy* (not their real names).

When Jen was referred to our free vet scheme, she had been living in a caravan on a roadside camp for nearly 20 years. Jen had struggled to find work due to not having a permanent address, and when Buddy became unwell, she was struggling to afford his expensive vet bills. A Gypsy Liaison Officer that she engaged with through Friends, Families and Travellers got in touch with us, and we were able to start funding Buddy’s vet care at a local vet practice. Buddy has now been supported by us for a number of years and is still with his owner, Jen. We recently caught up with her and she shared with us just how much Buddy means to her and how important he is for her mental and physical wellbeing:

‘’Buddy means the world to me. He makes my caravan feel cosy and he helps make it feel like a home to me. He’s always my company and I don’t feel as lonely. I also feel a lot safer having him in the caravan as there have been cases of people breaking into caravans in the area.’’

Jen is an Irish Traveller and one of many dog owners from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller community who have struggled to access safe, suitable housing for themselves and their beloved pets. With a shortage of Gypsy and Traveller sites and culturally suitable alternatives, language barriers, limited income as a result of employment discrimination, and inaccessible support services, the number of dog owners with no place to call home is sadly expected to rise in the coming months and years. This is why we are continuing to work with specialist organisations like Friends, Families and Travellers on putting together quick and simple referral pathways to our free vet scheme. We believe that together we can help many more people stay with their dogs without the worry of not being to afford their expensive vet care.

If you are a Gypsy or Traveller with no permanent place to park or are living on a roadside camp with a dog, we’re here for you and your four-legged friend. You can get in touch with us about your dog’s vet care here. You can find information about homelessness support for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities on the Shelter website. The Friends, Families and Travellers website also has a wealth of information about support services, including an online services directory with support services listed which are available to you across the UK.

We are always keen to collaborate with more specialist support services in the field. If you work for a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller service or a Gypsy Liaison office at a local authority, please do not hesitate to get in touch and find out more about how we can work together to support dog owners across the communities.

The Together Through Homelessness project, run by Dogs Trust, provides free emergency and routine veterinary care across the UK to the dogs of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The project also works with homelessness services to help them to become dog-friendly. This is achieved through the provision of bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to dog behaviour resources. The Together Through Homelessness project also provides starter packs of dog items to help new dogs feel welcome at their new home.  

In addition, every Christmas, the Together Through Homelessness team distributes parcels to homelessness services supporting dog owners. In December 2023, almost 2000 parcels containing collars, leads, coats, festive treats, and toys were delivered to more than 200 UK homelessness services supporting dog owners.

The support provided by Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness project is a lifeline to dog owners experiencing homelessness, who often find themselves having to choose between their dog and somewhere safe to sleep. In a survey conducted in 2022, 70% of the homelessness professionals surveyed told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers to accessing support services because they have a dog.   
  
Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog. Just 51% of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog-friendly.  

James Hickman, Head of Outreach Projects at Dogs Trust, says:

“For many people experiencing homelessness, their dog is more than just a faithful companion; they are family. We are proud that, since it was set up three decades ago, the Together Through Homelessness project has supported over 10,000 dogs with more than 30,000 free vet treatments, making it easier for them to stay with their owners.

“We don’t believe anyone should have to choose between their dog and somewhere safe to sleep, which is why not only do we provide free health care to the dogs of those experiencing homelessness, but we also work closely with service providers to ensure pet friendly support is available at every step of the housing pathway.”

Emmaus Cambridge is one of the homelessness services that Dogs Trust supports through the Together Through Homelessness scheme. Emmaus Cambridge provides people who have experienced homelessness with a home, work opportunities, and therapeutic support in a community setting. The Emmaus community is dog-friendly and welcomes people who have pets.

Lee is a companion supported by Emmaus Cambridge. After experiencing homelessness, Lee now lives at Emmaus Cambridge alongside his dog Lulu. Speaking about his bond with Lulu, Lee said:

“Lulu settled into the community really quickly, she loves being here and everyone makes a fuss of her. She enjoys a run around the fields which is typically followed by a long leisurely snooze. If she gets the chance, she hops on the bed and takes up most of the space. I wouldn’t be without her.”

St Mungo’s supports thousands of people experiencing homelessness each year and its pet friendly policies have been endorsed under the Dog Trust Together Through Homelessness scheme. Natalie Rose-Weir, Service Manager in Kensington & Chelsea, West London says:

“St Mungo’s is proud to welcome pets. We have seen the benefits of our clients being able to be housed alongside their pets, including improvements in their mental, physical, and emotional health. Pets are a part of the family – we do not want to split them up in the search for stable housing.

“It has been beautiful to witness many clients and their pets, to see the love and bonds between them, and to see their relationship grow as they find stable accommodation.”

If you work in a homelessness service and would like to find out more about how we can support your clients with dogs on our vet scheme, please visit this page. 

The Bethany Christian Trust Welcome Centre in Edinburgh and the Salvation Army’s Huntershill Court in Glasgow have both been endorsed under the Dogs Trust Together Through Homelessness endorsement scheme. This scheme celebrates and supports homelessness services that provide dog friendly policies. To assist, the Dogs Trust team provides bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources. It also provides starter packs of dog items to help new dogs feel welcome at homelessness services.   

Bethany Christian Trust supports people experiencing homelessness across Scotland. Its integrated approach of seeking to prevent homelessness, intervene in crisis and sustain people in their own homes supports around 7,000 people across Scotland every year. One of its services in Edinburgh, the Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre, provides emergency accommodation between October and May each year, and welcomes dogs. This means owners experiencing homelessness in the city do not need to be separated from their canine companions.  

Meanwhile, Huntershill Court, managed by the Salvation Army in Glasgow, has also been endorsed under the Dogs Trust scheme. Huntershill Court provides emergency accommodation in the city in 14 single occupancy flats. Its manager had previously run another service which had worked with Dogs Trust and saw first-hand how successful it the endorsement had been, and how important dogs were to the service users.  

These two endorsements are great news for those dog owners experiencing homelessness in Scotland. In a recent survey of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.   
  
Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog. Just 51% of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog friendly.  

Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness project also provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the provision of an online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK, and a Christmas parcel service, where the charity sends out dog goodies to homelessness services across the country that support dog owners.  

Eleanor McLachlan from Bethany Christian Trust said:

“It has been a great privilege for us to support individuals and their dogs out of rough sleeping and into their own rooms at the Rapid Re-accommodation Welcome Centre. Dogs Trust’s free support, advice and vet care has been invaluable. Thank you for enabling us to welcome and care for those who are struggling with homelessness during the winter months!’’ 

Gerry Young from the Salvation Army said:

“We’re pleased to be able to support this initiative from Dogs Trust. For many people who are homeless, a dog is their lifeline and companion. The bond between them is well documented and provides many positive mental and physical benefits. They shouldn’t be forced to choose between having a safe place to sleep or staying with their pet. Making dogs welcome here is something we value.” 

Wendy Miller from Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness project says:  

“It’s great news that these two homelessness services in Scotland are providing dog friendly services for people experiencing homelessness. It’s already having a positive impact on the people accessing these services, and it is a great example of how being dog-friendly can be achieved in a safe, responsible, and homely way.   

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can access the services they need. 

“We don’t think anyone should have to choose between these essential services and their faithful friend, and which is why we work with providers to successfully offer dog-friendly support.”  

If you work for a homelessness service and would like to find out more about our Together Through Homelessness endorsement scheme and support available to homelessness services across the UK, please click here. 

St Petrock’s works on behalf of people experiencing homelessness providing breakfasts and lunches to those sleeping rough across the city, as well as showers, laundry facilities, weekly mental health clinics, equipment and clothing. Service users can also use the phone, internet and computers from its centre in Cathedral Yard.

Abigail and Rowan during out in-person consultation in Exeter

Thanks to its dog friendly policies, clients visiting St Petrock’s can be accompanied by their canine companions, who can join clients in their 1-2-1 sessions, and are allowed in the communal areas, including the main hall. To support with this, staff or others accessing the service watch the dog whilst their owner accesses the kitchen or showers, and water bowls, blankets and toys are provided to ensure dogs are comfortable during their visits.

St Petrock’s dog friendly policies are great news for dog owners experiencing homelessness in Exeter. In a recent survey of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.  
 
Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog.

Just 51% of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog friendly. 

To ensure its dog friendly policies are implemented with due care and attention to both the owner and the animal, St Petrock’s has worked with the Together Through Homelessness team at Dogs Trust. The Dogs Trust team works directly with homelessness services to help them to become dog friendly through the provision of bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources. They also provide starter packs of dog items to help new dogs feel welcome at homelessness services.  

Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness project also provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the provision of an online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK, and a Christmas parcel service, where the charity sends out dog goodies to homelessness services across the country that support dog owners. 

Rowan Livingstone, Homelessness Services Manager with St Petrock’s said:

“We’ve always supported clients with dogs, but we wanted to go that extra mile for people. The bond between a homeless person and their dog is extremely close, as their four legged companion is often their best friend in the face of significant hardship.

We’re delighted that our work has been recognised in this way by Dogs Trust and are grateful to the team for supporting us to become more dog-friendly.''

Abigail Owens, from Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness project says: 

“It’s great news that St Petrock’s is providing dog friendly services for people experiencing homelessness. It’s already having a positive impact on the people accessing these services, and it is a great example of how being dog-friendly can be achieved in a safe, responsible, and homely way. 

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can access the services they need. 

“We don’t think anyone should have to choose between these essential services and their faithful friend, and which is why we work with providers to successfully offer dog-friendly support.”

To find out more about the Together Through Homelessness endorsement scheme and support available to dog owners experiencing homelessness, click here. 

HARP offers essential services and long-term solutions to support local people taking steps to move on from homelessness. The charity currently provides housing for up to 264 people that might otherwise be sleeping on the streets, all of whom have an action plan to help them manage and overcome the issues that might be surrounding their homelessness.

To allow more people to access this vital support, the HARP has some dog friendly spaces and welcomes owners experiencing homelessness to bring their dogs with them.

Staff and residents have noticed how being dog-friendly and welcoming canine companions has improved the atmosphere, encouraged people to engage with each other more and give an all-round more homely feeling.

HARP’s dog friendly policies are great news for dog owners experiencing homelessness in Southend. In a recent survey of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.  
 
Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog.

Just 51% of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog friendly. 

To ensure its dog friendly policies are implemented with due care and attention to both the owner and the animal, HARP has worked with the Together Through Homelessness endorsement scheme at Dogs Trust. The scheme works directly with homelessness services to support them to become dog friendly by providing bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources. The project also provides starter packs of dog items to help new dogs feel welcome at homelessness services.  

On Together Through Homelessness Dogs Trust also provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the provision of an online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK, and a Christmas parcel service, where the charity sends out dog goodies to homelessness services across the country that support dog owners. 

Jennie Bioletti, Emergency Accommodation Manager from HARP says:

"There are times that we find ourselves unable to offer accommodation to an individual in need, for a variety of reasons. It is most upsetting when we have been unable to accommodate someone simply because they have a dog."

"As a dog owner myself, I understand the importance of our relationships with our four-legged friends, especially when we experience difficult times. They are company when we are lonely, they offer unconditional love and our dogs very presence can be therapeutic."

"I am absolutely delighted that we have worked with Dogs Trust's Together Through Homelessness project to give dogs and their owners a safe and supportive environment where they can work on building a brighter future, together."

"We are big dog lovers here at HARP, all the staff are really supportive of the Dogs Trust initiative. We currently have 11 dogs in our accommodation and it is clear the difference it makes to a person's recovery. Thanks to working with Dogs Trust we can help more people and their dogs."

Abigail Owens, from Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness says: 

“It’s great news that HARP is providing dog friendly accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. It’s already having a positive impact on the people accessing these services, and it is a great example of how being dog-friendly can be achieved in a safe, responsible, and homely way.  

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can have somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

“We don’t think anyone should have to choose between a bed or their faithful friend, and we work with many temporary accommodation providers, to successfully offer dog-friendly support.  

“It’s incredibly important that pet-friendly housing is available at every step of someone’s housing pathway, and we’re keen to work with as many homelessness services as possible so that we can help keep people and their pets together.” 

To find out more about the Dogs Trust Together Through Homelessness endorsement scheme and support available to dog owners experiencing homelessness, please click here. 

Every Christmas, through its Together Through Homelessness scheme, Dogs Trust brings festive cheer to the dogs of people experiencing homelessness by delivering canine hampers of collars, leads, coats, festive treats and toys to dogs and their owners. Dogs Trust has been running the unique service for over 30 years and as well as Christmas gifts, provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness.  

This year, Together Through Homelessness will deliver almost 2,000 Christmas parcels to dogs and their owners at over 215 homelessness services across the UK.  

An owner and his happy dog with the festive items

Megan Evans, Together Through Homelessness Team Leader at Dogs Trust, explains: 

“Everyone knows that the bond between a dog and its owner is a strong one but for people experiencing homelessness, the bond is often unbreakable. Christmas can be an especially difficult and lonely time for people in housing crisis, but the company of a canine friend can often help to ease some of this loneliness.” 

“However, thanks to the generosity of Dogs Trust supporters, this year we’ll spread a little bit of Christmas cheer and help almost 2,000 dogs celebrate Christmas with their best friends. Not only that, but we will be able to continue to support them into the New Year and beyond so that more dogs can stay with their owners, regardless of their housing situation”. 

You can find more about the work of Together Through Homelessness supporting dog owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness throughout the year here. 

To allow more people to access this vital support, the charity offers pet-friendly temporary accommodation and welcomes owners experiencing homelessness to bring their dogs with them.  

 The Seagull Project’s dog-friendly policies are great news for dog owners experiencing homelessness in Brighton. In a recent survey of professionals, supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.     

To ensure its pet-friendly policies are implemented with due care and attention to both the owner and the animal, the Seagull Project has worked with the Together Through Homelessness endorsement scheme at Dogs Trust. The project works directly with homelessness services to support them to become dog-friendly by providing bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources. The project also provides starter packs of dog items to help new dogs feel welcome at homelessness services.

 Sarah and Abigail 

Sarah Lobo, Seagull Project Manager, says:  

“We are delighted to be endorsed by Dogs Trust under their Together Through Homelessness scheme. Our team is committed to creating and providing a person-centred, supportive environment, and we appreciate that dogs can play a major role in the lives of people accessing our services. We are so appreciative to Dogs Trust for collaborating with us in this project and ensuring that our clients can maintain a special bond with their dogs.” 

Abigail Owens from Together Through Homelessness says: 

“It’s great news that Seagull Project is providing pet friendly accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. It’s already having a positive impact on the people accessing these services, and it is a great example of how being dog-friendly can be achieved in a safe, responsible, and homely way.    

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can have somewhere safe and secure to sleep.   

“We don’t think anyone should have to choose between a bed or their faithful friend, and we work with many temporary accommodation providers, to successfully offer dog-friendly support.    

“It’s incredibly important that pet-friendly housing is available at every step of someone’s housing pathway, and we’re keen to work with as many homelessness services as possible so that we can help keep people and their pets together.” 

To find out more about the Together Through Homelessness endorsement scheme and support available to dog owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness, please visit this page. 

Since starting to work alongside the Hope Project at Dogs Trust, I have been exposed to the realities of homelessness and have heard countless stories from those who find themselves in the toughest situation. What these experiences have taught me is that homelessness is a something that can happen to anyone, overnight and without warning. The reductive stereotype of homelessness appearing as a lone man and his dog sleeping rough underestimates the breath and diversity of the homelessness crisis in the UK.

Whilst there is no accurate national figure for how many people are experiencing homelessness across the UK, and according to a 2023 report from the homelessness charity Crisis, there is estimated to be a 32% increase with 300,000 households affected. We do know that homelessness disproportionately affects people who are otherwise disadvantaged by society due to factors such as, but not limited to, race, gender, sexuality and disability: Shelter revealed that Black people are more than three times as likely to experience homelessness in the UK compared to white people; Crisis research shows that almost one in five LGBT+ people have experienced homelessness, increasing to one in four for transgender people.

Rough sleeping gives an estimated snapshot of homeless in the UK, but many people experiencing homelessness do not show up in official statistics at all. Other less commonly thought of examples of homelessness include living in temporary accommodation such as night shelters, hostels, B&Bs, women’s refuges, couch surfing or sleeping in cars, tents and garden sheds. Sadly, councils don’t have a duty to account for dog care, so many dog owners risk losing support if they decline temporary housing support which does not also accept their canine friend as residents.

The human-animal bond is something incredibly special and is no better illustrated than by the relationships we as people can build with our dogs. For people experiencing homelessness, this bond is more important than ever, and, for some people, their pet is their reason for getting up and going every day under such challenging circumstances. The bonds I have heard about between our Hope Project clients and their dogs have been nothing short of extraordinary and the trust built from spending 24/7 together is life changing for both dog and owner.

One of our clients on the Hope Project shared their experience of facing homelessness with her dog. Below are a few quotes from Zoe talking about her dog Rudy* (*not their real names):

"I have been staying on friends’ sofas for about 6-7 months now. I lost my home because I had to flee an abusive relationship. My ex-partner was very abusive to me and then he became abusive to my dog Rudy as well. I just had to leave.”

“Unfortunately, having a dog makes it so much more difficult for me to find any housing. There is such a stigma around dogs, people thing they are dirty and always cause damage to furniture. Even the emergency accommodation I was initially offered refused to accept Rudy. I don’t think they understood how much we had been through together and they suggested kennelling for him, I just couldn’t do it.”

“Rudy is everything to me – he’s the reason I get up in the morning. He gives me a purpose – I take him to the beach, he runs around. And simply watching him being free and happy is the reason I don’t give up. He reminds me that it’s not worth giving up on everything.”

 One of our Hope Project clients and her dog 

With the Cost Of Living crisis ongoing, according to Crisis more people than ever are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness in the UK. The Hope Project are supporting more owners than ever before: so far in 2023, they have supported 600 dogs, which is almost double the number of dogs supported in the same period in 2022, and funded over 1,100 vet treatments at UK vet practices.

Low-income households are being impacted more than any other and increasing living costs are pushing households towards the terrifying prospect of homelessness for the first time. This World Homeless Day, please consider ways you may be able to help, perhaps by donating, volunteering or writing to your local MP; the official World Homeless Day website has a great list of others ideas too.

If you see someone experiencing homelessness, you can ask them if they would be happy for you to refer them to StreetLink who will connect them with a local outreach team. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

And finally, try not to ignore people experiencing homelessness: it is a very isolating experience and people feel invisible. You may be happy to stop and have a chat with the person and share a treat or two with their pooch (before you do this, it's important to check that the owner is happy for you to approach their dog). A simple smile and a ''hello'' can mean a lot to someone who is often ignored by passers-by.

I work in the London office a few times a week and I work from home the other days. I start the day by checking the Hope Project emails. Our emails build up quickly. We will have emails from new clients, current clients, microchip companies, vet practices, our Vet team, homelessness services, councils, etc. all emailing about anything from needing to receive veterinary care for their dog, invoice queries, to questions about homelessness, to potential clients telling us about themselves and their situations.

 Carrie Walsh, Hope Project Team Assistant at her desk

We first check for any emergencies that might’ve been emailed in, but if there aren’t any, we delegate the emails to the rest of the Hope Team. We try to respond to queries as quickly as possible, but sometimes a backlog and complicated cases means it can take a few days. But we aim to be as quick as possible.

This morning my task is to begin to write the Hope Project monthly report, which is a report that goes out internally to staff within Dogs Trust to update other departments on the goings on of each team. First, I collate the data from the Hope Project from the prior month. I find out how many vet treatments we’ve funded, how many dogs we’ve treated, how many calls we’ve taken, how many people we’ve registered on the veterinary scheme. This summer, we’ve broken all previous records, with homelessness on the rise in the UK and expected to rise further, the numbers are staggering.

Dan and his dog Frankie - some of the people and dogs we support on the Hope Project 

I then collect news reports about homelessness in the media, read through them and make sure I’m familiar with stories about homelessness across the country. It’s important to remain abreast of positive news stories as well as the more emotional ones. It’s also critical to stay up to date with the latest housing legislation and political developments that affect our clients; such as the Renters Reform Bill in progress at the moment and the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis.

While doing this, I’m in constant communication with my team, whether that’s in-person in the office or via Teams. Today, one of my colleagues needs advice about the correct housing confirmation we ask our potential new clients to send in. We need a confirmation of every owner’s housing situation to ensure our clients are accessing the appropriate support for their housing in addition to their dogs’ vet care. Someone has sent in a text message from a landlord telling them that they’re going to be evicted. I tell my colleague that we need official documentation such as a Section 21 Notice. We’re always kept on our toes on the Hope Project.

Once I’ve finished my monthly report, I move onto sorting invoices with a much needed (huge) cup of (very strong) tea and some biscuits. I go over any invoice queries from vet practices, chase up remittance or missed payments (these things happen unfortunately) and process invoices for veterinary treatments in the invoice queue. Here, you really see just how many treatments we’re doing and the wide variety of treatments we can fund. I’ve learnt so much about vet care in the past year!

Soon it’s lunchtime. It’s sunny today so I take my sandwich and book and go and sit by the Regent’s Canal which passes close by the office. Our London HQ is just down the road from where the first gathering of the National Canine Defence League (the former name for Dogs Trust) was. It was organised by Lady Gertrude Stock at the first Crufts. They met at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. I feel very lucky to work in such a gorgeous location. I watch the narrowboats glide by, appreciating the last moments of calm and summer sunshine before I head back to the office.

After lunch, it’s my turn on phones. On the Hope Project we have a very busy phoneline and we take turns manning the line. We are often the last port of all for many potential clients who have tried various other charities, everyone is seeking help, answers, but most of all someone to listen to them. I can’t lie, it can be incredibly challenging. After fifteen years in theatre, I have become accustomed to the fact anything can happen and everything does. We had a call from someone wanting advice about their cats. I direct them to Cats Protection. We have a few calls about fostering, we’re unable to foster so I direct them to other charities but also listen to their stories. Often, for people looking to foster they’ve tried every avenue possible and are usually in desperate situations. I find these calls the hardest as we can’t help. So, I listen, and just make them feel valued.

I then have a call from someone whose dog Lana has been admitted to a veterinary surgery with “some sort of womb issue”. They’re incredibly upset, but from what they’ve managed to describe it sounds like it’s pyometra, a life-threatening condition and we need to act fast. They’re not currently registered on the scheme so I ask them if they can  send in conformation of their housing situation by someone supporting them in a professional capacity. They say they have a housing support officer at the council. I ask if they can call them and email us their confirmation of housing. Once I have taken information about the owner and their dog Lana, I call up the vet practice Lana is currently at. I explain to them what the Hope Project veterinary scheme is and hope they’ll agree for us to fund treatment. I ask them to send over an estimated invoice and history for Lana so I can pass this on to our vet team. Pyometra treatment is very costly so we need to get approval for it first before we can confirm we can fund it. Luckily, we sit next to the Vet Team in the office, and one of the vets lets me know straight away we can approve it. She finished off the email so we have it in writing while I call the vets to let them know we can fund the pyometra treatment. Lana is rushed into surgery, and the owner is put at ease knowing their precious family member is being taken care of.

I take a few more calls. Someone has called in who can’t afford their vet bills due to the cost-of-living crisis, but they’re not experiencing or at risk of homelessness. I signpost them to their other low-cost vet services who can often help people who aren’t experiencing homelessness/at risk of homelessness. Someone else calls as they need to find dog-friendly accommodation. They live in Liverpool so I am able to pull up our online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services and can direct him to services endorsed by our Welcoming Dogs scheme.

At the end of the day, I send a message to my work colleagues in the office to see if anyone wants to go to the pub to unwind. I feel it’s incredibly important to have work friends you can confide in, to unwind with and to have a much-needed laugh with! Our job can get incredibly heavy at times, and I’m so lucky to have a team around me that is supportive and open. I am so glad I’ve found this job (or did it find me?) and I am so proud to be part of Outreach and the Hope Project.

The images, which depict people experiencing homelessness with their dogs, in natural and non-stereotypical ways, are available to download and free to use. Building on evidence related to reinforcing negative images of homelessness, this collection holds images that offer an alternative to the archetypical depiction of a single older men with a dog on a cold wet pavement.They capture a wider breadth of experiences of homelessness in the UK, including individuals living in hostels, supported accommodation and temporary accommodation.

Dog ownership amongst people experiencing homelessness has an array of health and social benefits, including reducing loneliness, isolation and depression. However, pet ownership is also believed to perpetuate homelessness, by restricting access to support services. In fact, in a recent study by Dogs Trust, 70% of homelessness services said that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.  

Dogs Trust provides support to dog owners experiencing homelessness through its Hope Project. As well as helping accommodation providers to become more dog friendly, the Hope Project provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the provision of an online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK, and a Christmas parcel service, where the charity sends out dog goodies to homelessness services across the country that support dog owners.

Keiran, who was photographed with their dog Storm, spoke about the importance of having a pet:

“There have been some tough times and she kept me going. She doesn’t really notice what she means to me, she doesn’t realise what she does. Just her company, going for walks. Having someone to talk to.

When I am having a dull time or feeling lonely, Storm can sense it. She jumps straight up and gives me a cuddle. She can sense if I am feeling a bit down or not quite with it and she keeps me happy. And she gives me a routine.''‍

Kieran with their dog, Storm.

‍Dr Jenny Stavisky, Clinical Research Manager at VetPartners, who has carried out research into the topic of dog ownership and addiction and homelessness said:

“Companion animals have been widely recognised for their ability to alleviate feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression, while also increasing resilience. Acting as a buffer against stressful life events, the presence of pets has been shown to have a significant positive impact, with studies showing that individuals affected by homelessness who have pets exhibit lower levels of depression and loneliness compared to those without. 

This highlights the crucial role that companion animals can play in providing emotional support and fostering a sense of connection for those facing the challenges of homelessness.”

Dr Ligia Teixeira, Chief Executive of the Centre for Homelessness Impact said:

"Our collection of images underscores the profound significance of dog ownership in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. These images hold the power to transform public perceptions by showcasing the authentic faces and stories of homelessness, diverging from outdated stereotypes. 

By portraying the reality of homelessness with respect and realism, we aim to dismantle misconceptions and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who bravely participated in this initiative, united in our mission to combat stigma and promote empathy through compelling evidence."

Radi Ivanov from the Hope Project said:

‘’We’re thrilled to have collaborated with the Centre for Homelessness Impact to add photographs of some of the people we support on the Hope Project and their dogs to this library of images. 

“Dogs can be a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness and provide much needed comfort and stability, often being crucial for their mental, physical health and recovery. We know dog owners experiencing homelessness would often make sure their pets’ needs are met before their own, and we hope these evidence-led images will help tackle some of the misconceptions about homelessness and dog ownership.”

The image library, which was launched by the Centre for Homelessness Impact in January contains hundreds of images which aim to show homelessness realistically, and respectfully. This was achieved by working with people with direct experience of homelessness to define the brief for each shoot, creating a set of original images of people experiencing homelessness.

The majority of the images in this library were taken by Jeff Hubbard – a photographer with personal experiences of homelessness. Jeff spent time sleeping on the streets, and began learning photography techniques through the homelessness charity Crisis. He now works as a freelance photographer, and continues to run photography workshops at Crisis.

Explore the images library.

Bognor Housing Trust was founded in 1984 and has since developed to now own and manage three supported housing projects for single people experiencing homelessness in the Arun District. To allow more people to access this vital support, the charity has some pet friendly spaces and welcomes owners experiencing homelessness to bring their dogs with them.

Staff and residents have noticed how being dog-friendly and welcoming canine companions has improved the atmosphere, encouraged people to engage with each other more and give an all-round more homely feeling.

Bognor Housing Trust’s dog friendly policies are great news for dog owners experiencing homelessness in West Sussex. In a recent survey of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.  

Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog.

Just 51% of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog friendly. 

To ensure its pet friendly policies are implemented with due care and attention to both the owner and the animal, Bognor Housing Trust has worked with the Welcoming Dogs endorsement scheme at Dogs Trust. The scheme works directly with homelessness services to support them to become dog friendly by providing bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources. The project also provides support packs of dog items to help new dogs feel welcome at homelessness services.  

Through the Hope Project, Dogs Trust also provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the provision of an online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK, and a Christmas parcel service, where the charity sends out dog goodies to homelessness services across the country that support dog owners. 

Laura Kottaun, from Bognor Housing Trust says:

“We are delighted to be endorsed by Dogs Trust under their Welcoming Dogs scheme.  We firmly believe in the importance of clients having their dogs living with them and see the value it brings, not only to them, but to the service as a whole. We are grateful to Dogs Trust for all their help, support and resources to enable us to welcome dogs in a safe way.”

Abigail Owens, from Dogs Trust’s Hope Project says: 

“It’s great news that Bognor Housing Trust is providing pet friendly accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. It’s already having a positive impact on the people accessing these services, and it is a great example of how being dog-friendly can be achieved in a safe, responsible, and homely way.  

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can have somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

“We don’t think anyone should have to choose between a bed or their faithful friend, and we work with many temporary accommodation providers, to successfully offer dog-friendly support.  

“It’s incredibly important that pet-friendly housing is available at every step of someone’s housing pathway, and we’re keen to work with as many homelessness services as possible so that we can help keep people and their pets together.” 

The Welcoming Dogs endorsement scheme is free and available to homelessness services anywhere in the UK. Click here to find out more if you work for a service that is considering becoming dog-friendly. 

Michael House is a charity which runs a mixed-gender hostel and support services in Bournemouth for people experiencing homelessness in Dorset. To allow more people to access this vital support, the charity has made some of its bedrooms pet friendly and welcomes dogs into its services.

Michael House’s dog-friendly policies are great news for dog owners experiencing homelessness in Bournemouth. In a recent survey of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.  
 
Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog.

To ensure its pet-friendly policies are implemented with due care and attention to both the owner and the animal, Michael House has worked with the Welcoming Dogs endorsement scheme. The scheme works directly with homelessness services to support them to become dog-friendly by providing bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources. The project also provides starter packs of dog items to help new dogs feel welcome at homelessness services.  

Through the Hope Project, Dogs Trust also provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, an online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK, and a Christmas parcel service, where the charity sends out dog goodies to homelessness services across the country that support dog owners. 

Mark Horsford, Chief Executive from Michael House says:

“We are passionate about providing pet-friendly accommodation and removing the unnecessary barriers that can keep people from accessing a safe place to stay. So much so, we’ve recently introduced a second pet-friendly bedroom.” 

Abigail Owens, Pets and Housing Regional Engagement Coordinator at Dogs Trust says: 

“Michael House is clearly a welcoming and friendly service and has been designed with dogs in mind. This service is a great example of how being dog-friendly can be achieved in a safe, responsible, and homely way.  

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can have somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

“We don’t think anyone should have to choose between a bed or their faithful friend, and we work with many homelessness services, to successfully offer dog-friendly accommodation.  

“It’s incredibly important that pet-friendly housing is available at every step of someone’s housing pathway, and we’re keen to work with as many homelessness services as possible so that we can help keep people and their pets together.” 

To find out more about the Dogs Trust Welcoming Dogs endorsement scheme, get in touch on welcomingdogs@dogstrust.org.uk. The team will be happy to share how they can support homelessness services across the UK to become dog-friendly and help people and their pets stay together. 

Louise Hart, a Service Manager across some of Framework’s Lincolnshire services says:

“The Framework Lincolnshire staff are animal lovers and felt that if they were ever in a position to have to choose between a family member, as many pets are, and housing it would be a devastating choice to make.

“Framework recognises that looking after an animal is a life skill and a transferable skill. It shows dedication, responsibility and care. These are all skills that should be encouraged and supported.

“Allowing dogs into the service, for both staff and service users, has been extremely successful. It has helped to foster a friendly caring atmosphere and has often helped to disarm people’s preconceptions of a homeless service. It has supported the mental health and wellbeing of all, it is a conversation starter and a way to build rapport with people.”

This is great news for dog owners experiencing homelessness in Lincolnshire. In a recent survey of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness, 70% told Dogs Trust that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.  
 
Further to this, 84% were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog.

Just 51% of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog friendly. 

Wendy Miller, Pets and Housing Regional Engagement Coordinator at Dogs Trust says: 

“For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can have somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

“We don’t think anyone should have to choose between a bed or their faithful friend, and we work with many housing providers, to successfully offer dog-friendly accommodation.  

“It has been brilliant working with our friends at Framework in Lincolnshire, supporting their services to become dog-friendly, ensuring dog owners in the area are able to access temporary accommodation when they need it most.

‘’It’s incredibly important that pet-friendly housing is available at every step of someone’s housing pathway, and we’re keen to work with as many homelessness services as possible so that we can help keep people and their pets together.

To find out more about our Welcoming Dogs endorsement scheme and support available to homelessness services, please visit this page.

Abigail Owens, Pets and Housing Regional Engagement Coordinator at Dogs Trust says:

 “For most dog owners, being separated from their dog is no different from being separated from a family member. Many dog owners experiencing homelessness are forced to make the heart-breaking decision to give up their beloved pets just so they can have somewhere safe and secure to sleep.

“We don’t think anyone should have to choose between a bed or their faithful friend, and we work with many housing providers, including Gloucester City Homes, to successfully offer dog-friendly accommodation.

“It’s incredibly important that pet-friendly housing is available at every step of someone’s housing pathway, and we’re keen to work with as many homelessness services as possible so that we can help keep people and their pets together.”

Michael Hill, GCH’s Director of Assets said

“Within the Stroud area, there are significant numbers of people awaiting one-bedroom accommodation. GCH is committed to providing high quality housing for people who find themselves without a permanent home.

Our experienced homeless team will work in partnership with Stroud District Council and other local support networks including the Salvation Army next door. This specialist support will provide not only a temporary safe haven for those people at risk of rough sleeping, but a route into permanent housing.” 

Stroud District Council Housing Committee Chair Mattie Ross added:

“We made funding available for this project because a key activity of our Council Plan is to prioritise the prevention of homelessness, including working with partners to develop specialist housing and support.

Being able to keep a much-loved dog plays a big part in helping people cope and deal with their difficulties, with the right support. I am really pleased to see partners working together on this project which compliments the extensive work we do to tackle homelessness in the district.”

We in the Hope Project know how challenging it is for dog owners experiencing homelessness to access temporary council accommodation. People in these situations are often left with a choice between giving up their dog and having a safe place to sleep. And this is simply not an option for people whose dogs are often their only companion and are crucially important for their mental, physical health and trauma recovery. We’re so delighted to have worked with our partners at Stroud District Council and Gloucester City Homes to make Citadel House a safe and inclusive space for dog owners experiencing homelessness, and an overall success.

We hope to be able to build on this success with homelessness services across the UK to make sure people and their pets can stay together in all corners of the country. If you would like to find out more about our Welcoming Dogs endorsement scheme and how we can support your homelessness service to become dog-friendly, click here.

With the cold weather approaching, people experiencing homelessness with their dogs need somewhere safe and warm to stay throughout the winter period. Our research with Homeless Link shows that less than 10% of hostels are dog friendly. This means that many dog owners are unable to access vital support and accommodation because of their dog.  Working with homelessness services to support them in accepting dogs through our Welcoming Dogs endorsement scheme means we can help to keep people and their pets together. 

On Wednesday 7th December 2022, Abigail Owens and Harriet Page (Pets and Housing Manager) visited It Takes a City in Cambridge to officially endorse them as a dog friendly service. It Takes a City runs Crossways, a winter provision that will be open for  people experiencing street homelessness in Cambridge  from November 2022 to March 2023. The accommodation is run in partnership with Cambridge City Council and is part of the SWEP (severe weather emergency provision) protocol which is put in place at this time of year to protect the health and ensure the wellbeing of people sleeping rough  in Cambridge during periods of severe weather. 

Prior to the in-person consultation Abigail worked with Chris Dade (Support Services Manager) and Lis Silver (Interim CEO/Charity Manager) to create a bespoke policy and dog owner agreement, provided tailored advice and resources on accepting and managing dogs in a safe and responsible way, as well as guidance around registering with the Hope Project veterinary scheme which provides free veterinary treatment for all residents staying at Crossways with their dog. 

Abigail says

'‘Working with Chris and Lis was an absolute pleasure. It was clear from the beginning they were enthusiastic about our scheme and were keen to implement policies and procedures that allowed them to welcome dogs into the service, in a safe and responsible way. With it being a short timeframe that the service is open, it was important to move through the process smoothly and efficiently, so I thank them for their collaboration and the warm welcome when we visited in person. We even got to meet Lily, who’s currently living at Crossways with her owner. It was clear she was very happy there and well-loved by everyone in the service.’’    

Once the consultation was complete, Abigail was able to award Chris with the Welcoming Dogs Endorsement Certificate which will be on display at Crossways to indicate they are dog-friendly and have been endorsed by our Welcoming Dogs scheme. They will also be featured on our online directory of dog-friendly services. This ensures that dog owners experiencing homelessness can easily find dog-friendly homelessness services which are local to them. 

Chris Dade, Service Manager of Crossways, says

"When we developed the model of our Winter Provision, using the "Everyone In" COVID accommodation that we ran for Cambridge City Council as a blueprint, we were determined that we would set up a project that welcomed dog owners.  Therefore, we were very pleased when the opportunity to work with the Dogs Trust came along.  Abigail has helped us develop a policy and a procedure that reflects the manner in which our project differs from many others - specifically the fact that we are only open for five months of the year - and we were pleased too that she was able to visit us and see how we have created an environment in which the dogs who stay with us are truly valued.  With our recognition as a dog friendly service, we can ensure that people in need of accommodation, who may have refused to take the offer of a room elsewhere because their dog couldn't accompany them, can finally get off the streets.  In addition, our staff team strongly believes that dogs have a positive effect on the welfare of more than just their owners and this has certainly proven to be the case at Crossways".   

We are continuing our work on increasing accommodation and support options for dog owners experiencing homelessness and are calling on more homelessness services across Great Britain to adopt a pet-friendly approach. If you are a homelessness service interested in working with us to help keep people and their pets together, you can get in touch by emailing WelcomingDogs@dogstrust.org.uk. 

Find out  more  about our Welcoming Dogs scheme and how we can support you to become dog-friendly in our Welcoming Dogs section.