Its not something that is talked about, and certainly not something I thought I'd ever write about, but finding information is harder than I thought it would be, and with the cost of living crisis, this is an increasing problem.
The other evening I saw a post on one of the dachshund facebook groups that really got to me. The poster was facing homelessness and was seeking some support in finding somewhere for their beloved dachshund whilst they got themselves back on their feet. Thankfully, they got some amazing support and advice and have managed to get some help!
Whilst the post itself hit a nerve on a personal note, the responses to this person’s plea warmed my heart. Where facebook can be a very hostile place, it can also be the most wonderful and kind place. Unfortunately I cannot find the original post now, and I had hoped to share the resources provided by members of the group. I have done my best to provide a starting point below. On researching, I realised it was very hard to find information on this. Trying to find the information when you are under immense stress must be awful. I hope this blog helps give those struggling a starting point, and makes this part of your story a little easier. I have tried to include all the links I thought might be helpful, from legal advice on housing to charities offering temporary foster care whilst people get back on their feet.
This blog is for that poster, and any person facing homelessness when they have a pet. This blog is in acknowledgement and thanks to all those who offered support to the poster, and for reminding me just how wonderful the dachshund community can be. For that poster, and anyone in a similar situation, you will be ok. You are not alone. You just need to make steps to ask for help.
I am not going to claim a huge amount of knowledge in this area, thankfully. I am just trying to offer a starting point. However, I have supported a friend through a similar situation with their pet. The housing charity Shelter were phenomenal at helping them every step of the way. They helped to provide the support my friend needed from the legalities, dealing with the council and support with mental health alongside finding a dog friendly home. My friend had a dog who was her lifeline. God knows what would have happened if she couldn’t have taken her little dog. She did refuse emergency housing because of her love and need for the dog in question and spent several weeks living off the grid on a friends land until a suitable place was found. It was a horrible time, but thankfully they were able to find a suitable home to put down roots.
Homelessness
Homelessness can happen for many reasons, and sadly with increasing costs more and more people are struggling. It can happen to anyone for many different reasons - a lack of affordable housing, poverty, unemployment, no fault evictions and fleeing domestic violence. With costs increasing increased pressure can lead to relationship breakdowns, poor mental or physical health, losing jobs, rental properties being sold and increasing debt.
The numbers facing homelessness are unknown, “core homelessness” is believed to affect over 300,000 homes. But there are also the “hidden homeless” who are those who are sofa surfing, sleeping in their cars or just finding a bed where they can. There are those being put at risk of homelessness and some groups of people are more at risk than others.
Facing homelessness with a pet?
Many of those experiencing homelessness, or the risk of, rely on their pets for emotional support, companionship and safety, they can be a lifeline for many and being faced with the prospect of not being able to take them with them causes immense distress.
There are many who have to choose between keeping their beloved pet or sleeping on the street.
Whilst some situations are less urgent, but a worry, other situations are more urgent. However, the prospect of finding a new home when you have an animal is challenging.
Whilst a new standard tenancy agreement is supposedly meant to make it easier to rent properties in England when you have a pet where supposedly landlords are no longer able to issue blanket bans on pets, the reality is very different. Similarly, the changes do not apply to emergency housing. More on the Model Agreement here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/model-agreement-for-a-shorthold-assured-tenancy. Citizen’s advice describe the no pets rule as “indirect discrimination.” Take a look here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/discrimination/check-what-type-of-discrimination-youve-experienced/check-how-youve-been-discriminated-against/
Opinions
Whilst some will scoff (I’ve seen it) at prioritsing a pet over your own needs, anyone who has a bond with their animal would be exactly the same! You aren’t alone! It is important to emphasise how important your pet is to your needs, rather than yours to your pets!
Despite dismissive commands to “rehome the animal” or “put them to sleep” (I’ve heard it with my own ears from professionals!) rescues are in crisis, placing dogs into rescue is near impossible, and with increasing vets bills, even euthanasia is often not an option. It is not helpful or supportive to say that to anyone who already feels their world is falling apart!
General Housing advice.
Shelter’s website is a great resource. They will also provide additional support if you need it: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice.
The jist:
YOU MUST ASK FOR HELP! Don't try to do this alone!
The council must help you if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 8 weeks. Generally you should ask your local council, but you can ask any council. All councils have an out of hours phone number if you become homeless at night or over a weekend.
Ask for emergency housing if you need it (generally someone who is at more risk of harm)
Make a homeless application as soon as you think you may be homeless.
Your landlord must follow correct steps to evict you from your private rented home.
Get on the housing register
Shelter state that Pets are usually not allowed in emergency housing.
However, the council may have emergency housing which accept pets – make sure you ask and tell them how important it is for you to keep your pets.
They recommend Lets with Pets for help finding pet friendly properties: https://www.letswithpets.org.uk/
Shelter state the council must try to find emergency housing in the council area, but if this is not possible they should find it as close as possible to where you live.
Remember Emergency housing is temporary, so do not refuse it, and make sure you use it so they don't remove it from you. Usually you will stay there for at least a couple of months whilst they try to accommodate your needs. It is unlikely to be pretty, but it is a stepping stone to getting you back on your feet. Try to remember that.
I have provided a list of options which may cover your pet during this period below.
Where do I start with finding somewhere for my pet?
Depending on your situation there are several things to consider first. It is important to be completely honest and transparent with those you are asking to prevent any conflict later.
Ask family or friends if they can help. Be realistic and honest about your situation, this includes time scales and finances.
If finances are stable, perhaps reaching out to a local licensed boarder or kennels. Again, be honest with them about the situation.
With the above, make sure you have a form of contract in place, to protect both parties. Consider who will be paying food, how much you will be paying for board, veterinary bills and duration of the stay. Ensure you are clear about veterinary decisions in the event you aren’t able to be reached. If you are unable to visit, it is important you stay in regular contact with the people helping you. Whilst it seems a bit formal, this ensures everyone is happy with the situation.
If these aren’t an option, or if your situation is urgent, such as those fleeing domestic violence, there are some wonderful charities out there. I have listed a few, mostly in the UK, but I have included some resources from the USA and Australia too.
Domestic Violence
Researching some of the charities, the Animal Fostering Service description really made me think. “Animals are the silent victims of domestic abuse. They are threatened, yelled at, beaten, kicked…..” I’ll spare you the rest, its heartbreaking. Often people escaping domestic violence leave with nothing. This charity offers long term foster and will help with necessary items to help the animals get back on their paws. Their service covers Devon and Cornwall. I have put their details below. I found their statement very powerful.
Those fleeing domestic violence will not only carry the weight of their experiences but a tremendous amount of guilt. For what it is worth, I applaud you for breaking free. Please seek support beyond the housing issue to help you recover from all you have faced. You are not alone.
Refuge specialize in domestic violence, please reach out to them for advice: https://refuge.org.uk/. They also have a 24 hour hotline: 08082000247. https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/how-we-can-support-you/. Please take precautions when making the call if you are at risk. You can also use their chat service between 10am-10pm Monday -Friday.
Temporary Foster for Pets:
Please feel free to add links to the comment of the blog including the country and state you are referring to.
UK
The dogs trust are doing their best to help support dog owners supporting homelessness. https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/ownership/hope-project. Through their Hope Project they are supporting carers to stay with their cherished dogs. This includes veterinary care, and temporary accommodation. They have an online directly dog friendly homelessness services in the UK. You can contact them by the link above or calling 02078337611
For people seeking refuge:
UK
England
Animal Fostering Service (Devon and Cornwall)
Endeavour
-Referrals can be taken directly from women fleeing domestic violence or from refuges, helplines, police domestic violence units, Social Services, Victim Support, housing advice centres, hospitals and clinics etc.
PO Box 329, Bolton BL6 5FT
Tel/Fax: 01204 698 999
Email info@pawsforkids.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 1084861
Areas covered: Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside.
They foster a variety of species for the length of time women are in refuge or a hostel (on average 4-5 months)
The Mayhew – Pet Refuge
Provide shelter and care for pets of people in crisis for short periods of time.
Available within the M25.
020 8962 8000
Scotland
Tel: 0844 811 9909
Registered Charity No. SCO15672
Reach out to Dachshund Rescue UK and The Red Foundation. Whilst both are rehoming charities, they may be able to point you in the right direction. There may be an option for long term fostering depending on the resources they have available and your situation. If your dog is not a dachshund, reach out to a few rescues to see if they have any advice. They often have contacts everywhere!
For cats
Cats Protection Lifeline
Regional Contacts
London/South East – lifelinesoutheast@cats.org.uk / 0345 260 1280
Yorkshire – lifelineyorkshire@cats.org.uk / 0300 012 0187
East Anglia – lifelineeastanglia@cats.org.uk / 0300 012 0283
Midlands – lifelinemidlands@cats.org.uk / 0300 012 0284
USA (Please reach out to any on the list, they may know services in your state).
Animal Humane Society – Minnesota
Provide 60 days of temporary housing.
There are a list of partners provided.
Anti-Cruelty -SAFE (Temporary Emergency Housing)
Whilst they are currently full, they are happy to provide information on other resources.
Australia
Pet Rescue
Provide a list of organisations who may be able to help:
Animal Aid (VIC)
Berry Street & PAAWS (VIC)
Victorian Dog Rescue (VIC)
RSPCA Safe Beds for Pets program (NSW)
RSPCA Pets in Crisis program (QLD)
Safe Pets Safe Families (SA)
Dachshund Rescue Australia
Whilst they do not advertise temporary fostering, they may be able to give you details of who may be able to help.
Final word
For those of you facing this situation, I hope this blog helps you. Whilst right now it will feel like everything is falling apart, one day you will be able to use your experiences to help someone else. But for now, look after yourself, let people help you and hold your dogs tight. You will be ok, just make sure you gather that strength and reach out to the right people for support to change your future. Wishing you strength, love and success.
Feedback and further advice from people who work with people facing homelessness.
Thank you to these amazing people for taking the time to add further input and advice to this blog.
Great blog! It covers everything that I can think of. The reality is that it is incredibly hard to find TA if you have a dog unless you can provide strong medical evidence that it is a therapy dog.“
“This is brilliant and I've learnt a lot - very informative! May be worth adding if a pet is a therapy pet, and you can evidence this then this can be provided to the council. Some more info here re TA and the Hope Project https://www.hja.net/expert-comments/opinion/housing-help/homelessness-keeping-pets-in-temporary-accommodation/
The local authority also has a duty to protect property, which is the legislation I've used to support a members homelessness application and then challenge unsuitable allocation - https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/homelessness_applications/local_authority_homelessness_duties/local_authority_duty_to_protect_a_homeless_applicants_property#title-0 Great article and I'm so pleased that they are raising this important concern!
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