Helping Unhoused Pets and Their People Find Shelter

AWI is pleased to announce that its Safe Havens for Pets directory has expanded to include pet-friendly sheltering resources for individuals who are experiencing homelessness with a companion animal. In 2011, AWI established the Safe Havens for Pets directory to help domestic violence survivors with pets find sheltering resources for their animals while seeking safety for themselves. The directory is now accessed tens of thousands of times each year by survivors and advocates working to ensure their safety, and the Safe Havens for Pets program has grown to include vital resources for professionals working with people and pets in crisis.

Pets can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits to individuals experiencing housing insecurity. However, having a pet can also create an additional barrier for those seeking shelter. Many people choose to remain unhoused rather than relinquish custody or leave their pets behind when entering a shelter. In a 2016 survey conducted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 22 percent of unhoused individuals reported that they avoided entering shelters because they were not allowed to bring their pets. With the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the United States steadily increasing, reaching a record 256,610 in 2023 according to federal data, access to pet-friendly shelter is critical.

Until recently, there were no nationwide directories of safe havens that offer sheltering resources for people experiencing homelessness with a pet. With the expansion of the Safe Havens for Pets directory, more than 200 programs for unhoused individuals, across 50 states, were added to the nationwide database, offering a clearer picture of available options. The directory, which is searchable by zip code and updated regularly, features organizations that either offer sheltering services for the animals of unhoused individuals and/or domestic violence survivors, have a relationship with an entity that does, or provide referrals to such programs. In addition to domestic violence and/or homeless shelters that house people and pets together, the safe havens network includes animal welfare groups, foster coalitions, and boarding facilities.

The Bridge Homeless Recovery Shelter in Dallas is one of more than 1,200 listed entities that strive to remove as many barriers as possible for people seeking shelter with pets. The Bridge is the only homeless recovery shelter in the Dallas area with an on-site kennel. Its other on-site resources for unhoused individuals with companion animals include a large exercise yard, enrichment activities, pet supplies, veterinary care, and behavioral training courses led by a certified dog trainer.

“Domestic violence survivors and unhoused individuals with pets often face upheaval, uncertainty, and the unimaginable feeling of having to choose between safe shelter and their pet—a choice no person should have to make,” said Claire Coughlin, director of AWI’s Companion Animal Program. “AWI is proud to highlight the critical work these programs are doing to care for people and pets in crisis and to offer the Safe Havens for Pets directory to help individuals locate these safe sheltering resources nationwide.”

Program Terms: Companion Animals

AWI Quarterly Terms: AWI News, Feature Article