We help people and pets facing homelessness and hardship in Victoria.
Homelessness does not just mean individuals sleeping on the streets. While those who sleep rough are the most visible, they only constitute 7% of the homeless population in Australia.
The majority of individuals experiencing homelessness are couch surfing, living in their cars, seeking refuge in shelters and crisis accommodation, or residing in other unstable housing situations. This is why we collaborate with organisations already in contact with these individuals. Without their assistance, we wouldn’t be able to reach 93% of those who may require our support.
We also provide assistance to individuals who are facing financial hardships and are at risk of homelessness, such as those on pensions without support from family or friends, as well as individuals requiring hospitalisation for medical treatment or rehabilitation.
We help pets.
Approximately 200,000 healthy cats and dogs in Australia are euthanised in shelters and pounds each year. Whilst much of this horrifying statistic is due to reasons such as overbreeding and puppy farms, factors such as financial hardship, homelessness, family breakdowns and unfair rental laws mean many people are forced to surrender their beloved pets to shelters.
We believe that by assisting people experiencing hardship in keeping their pets, we’re not only enabling them to maintain their cherished companions but also preventing those pets from being surrendered and potentially euthanised.
At Pets Of The Homeless, we actively promote responsible pet ownership and assist many individuals in ensuring their pets remain healthy, happy, and don’t contribute to overpopulation. This includes covering costs for procedures like desexing surgeries, vaccinations, and other necessary medical treatments.
Why Do We Help?
People don’t choose to be homeless
There is no one reason why people experience homelessness; it can be the result of many social, economic and health-related factors. In Australia, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness. It can also be as a result of poor relationships, drug, alcohol or mental health issues. Sometimes it affects people who have been managing well in life, but are thrown off course by a stressful episode like a relationship break-up, job loss or death or a loved one. This can set off a chain of events that leads to a person being without a place to live.
Regardless of how people end up experiencing homelessness, we believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and have the same intimate connections with another living being, just like everyone else.
Love isn’t determined by wealth
People who love their pets find a way to care for them. The argument that people experiencing homelessness shouldn’t have a pet if they can’t even look after themselves simply does not hold up in our extensive experience. When you love someone, you do everything in your power to make sure they are happy and well. We’ve met so many people experiencing homelessness who prioritise feeding their pet over feeding themselves. They make sure they are safe and warm, have blankets and jackets in winter, have toys to play with and somewhere cosy to sleep at night. Love doesn’t have a price tag.
Pets can inspire hope
We’ve seen firsthand how having a pet can encourage responsibility and fuel the need to improve a person’s situation. If you’re a pet guardian, you know the joy, support and companionship your furry friend can bring. At the end of a bad day, a walk or play with your dog, or a cuddle with your cat can help to take your mind off your troubles. It’s the same for people experiencing homelessness.
Pets have been proven to assist with mental health and self-esteem, which can only have a positive flow on effect in the long run. They also aid with community engagement. They inspire conversation and help the broader community understand that people who are experiencing homelessness are not less deserving of love and care than anyone else.
