"WHO SAVES WHO?"

According to Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority 2019, homeless people consist of:
 

• 7% of homeless population were victims of domestic/intimate partner violence.
• 9% are under age 18.
• 15% of homeless population have substance abuse disorders.
• 15% are in family units (often headed by a single mother}.
• 16% are physically disabled.
• 25% of homeless population suffers from serious mental illness.
• 28% are chronically homeless.
• 31% are female.

Homeless Pet Owners are NOT accounted for on this list or in OUR community. This is a neglected group of individuals who are on the rise and being denied services due to having a pet. 

Pets may be a barrier, but they don’t have to be. Our focus at PalsNPets is how therapeutic pets are to their homeless owners - discouraging crime, drug abuse, suicide and treating untold mental illnesses through companionship. 

Problem  Majority of existing shelters lack infrastructure and resources to effectively support both homeless pet owner and their pet together. Leaving homeless pet owners with a difficult choice; abandon their pets for services or remain on the streets with their beloved pet. 

OUR SOLUTION

PALSNPETS HOMELESS PET OWNER CO-SHELTER PILOT PROJECT 

PalsNPets Homeless Pet Owner Co-Sheltering Pilot Project is designed to partner and reside in a existing shelter and offer homeless pet owners in house programs, services and standardized operating procedures to effectively support both people with pets together in co -sheltering human organizations.

We employed a novel approach to research and development based on a systematic solution to an existing systematic problem.

* This Pilot Project focuses on pets being an asset rather than a barrier to their  owners.

* The services are to keep the pet healthy and free of spreading fleas or disease that could be a public health safety with the facility.

* The programs are structured to educate pet owners and pets necessary life skills and routine when transitioning  from the streets into co-sheltering facility. 

* SOP’s are specific to facilitate integrating pets in shelters, by effectively minimizing current barriers, implement conflict resolution practices and support case management goals.

Our project programs and services are designed harmoniously to support case managers in existing shelter in accessing individuals with pets they would not normally have access to. Our partnerships and services would be available in house, daily so homeless pet owners can easily transition from the streets into shelter together with their pets with our support. Our standardized operating procedures and policies are specific to integrating pets in human organizations with preventative measures of public health safety for all within the facility and the pets. With our partnerships we have access to researched standardized practices, professional dog trainers and educators on staff as well as services such as veterinary care day of or next day. 

If you would like to support, learn more, or are an existing shelter interested in discussing how our Pilot Project can work at your shelter please contact us at  email@palsnpets.org  or call 1-800-908-3401.