Pets of homeless - forgotten
part of a growing problem

THE winter weather of 2008 is causing havoc across the country. For advocates of the homeless they are very concerned as the homeless try to find shelter from the weather conditions. Advocates of pets of the homeless are also troubled because those shelters will not allow pets to stay inside.

Most people who experience homelessness (80 percent) are homeless for a short period of time and usually need help finding housing and/or a rent subsidy. But unfortunately for those with pets it becomes more difficult. Many are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head. Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time. Their pets are non-judgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty. In some cases they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm. The tragic part is, the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests there are about 750,000 homeless people in the nation on any given night and over 40 four percent are unsheltered. Many homeless people have pets. It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless, Michael Stoops, executive director, that between five and 10 percent of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In some areas of the country that number is greater. Monte Fast, executive director of FISH (Friends in Service Helping) in Carson City, Nevada, says the figure is more like 25 percent in his mission area that includes Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, and Story Counties.

Finding any kind of shelter for those with pets is impossible but finding food may have just gotten easier in a few communities. Feeding Pets of the Homeless is an organization of 50 members in 22 states that helps feed the pets of the homeless and disadvantaged. The non-profit organization enrolls veterinarian hospitals, clinics and pet-related businesses around the country to collect pet food from their clientele and the public in their local communities. The members partner with local food banks, shelters or soup kitchens. The food banks then distribute the pet food to the homeless and disadvantaged.

Officers and directors installed
Feeding Pets of the Homeless installed its officers and directors recently. Genevieve Frederick is the executive director and the founder of the organization which evolved from a program she authored and published for veterinarians.

Frederick said “The progression from a publicity program for vets to a non-profit organization became apparent with the interest and support that was generated from the public. The public’s response was immediate and has been remarkable. Donations of pet food and cash have been amazing.” She went on to say “I am committed to building a membership across the country that will collect pet food and partner with a food bank in their community that will distribute the pet food to the less fortunate. And I look forward to working with our members to increase their effectiveness to collect pet food and to working with grant recipients to provide pet medical care to pets of the homeless.”

Other officers and members are: secretary, Renee Lowry an animal advocate; treasurer, Pamela McCluskey a CPA; with Dr Gary Ailes of Sierra Veterinary Hospital and Kathi Giurlani, a retired nurse serving on the board. The organization presently has 50 members in 22 states. Frederick explained: “Through memberships, grants and donations we can assist pets of the homeless.

"The organization promotes to veterinarians and pet related businesses the importance of joining and receiving step-by-step instructions to become a collection site for pet food in their community. And we campaign to food banks and other food distributing organizations the importance of distributing pet food to the less fortunate. The organization has implemented a grant program for licensed veterinarians to administer medical care to pets of the homeless in their communities."

The guidelines are available by emailing info@petsofhomeless.org Participating socially responsible veterinarian clinics/hospitals and businesses are listed on the Feeding Pets of the Homeless© website at www.PetsofHomeless.org