Despite common misconceptions, homeless people often own pets. However, shelter restrictions keep them from bringing their pets indoors, forcing a heartbreaking choice between the safety of their family and their beloved pet.
No More Homeless Pets
Organizations are working to change that by fostering, adopting and advocating for shelter animals. They also combat puppy mills through public awareness campaigns and legislative work.
What They Do
Nonprofit organizations (not-for-profit or charitable) are private organizations that help people and animals. They usually have a specific philanthropic mission, such as literacy, protecting the environment or saving endangered species.
Rather than caring for pets and finding them homes, nonprofits such as the Humane Society of New York also work to prevent pet homelessness by creating and promoting community outreach programs, education, legislation, and other social reform efforts.
They often host events such as fundraisers, auctions, charity runs, or galas to raise money and awareness for their cause.
Work tirelessly to reduce the number of dogs and cats entering the city shelter system by providing adoptions, fostering, spay/neuter services, and TNR programs.
They also offer a “shelter on wheels” program that brings their adoption centers to various locations to reach more potential adopters. They are also committed to combating puppy mills, one of the biggest contributors to animal homelessness.
How They Do It
In addition to fundraising and donations, nonprofit organizations receive revenue from grants. Foundations, corporations or government agencies award these grant funds, which must be used to support the nonprofit’s mission.
Nonprofits typically serve the public benefit and are tax-exempt. Many religious bodies, local community theaters and even American museums are nonprofits. However, nonprofits don’t only focus on people — they also serve animals.
It’s not unusual for a homeless person to be joined on the street by their pet, often a beloved companion from a time when they had stable housing. But most city and state rules don’t allow pets to join their owners in homeless shelters, leaving displaced pet owners with an unthinkable choice.
To help them, organizations coordinate food and supply donations, veterinary care, and wellness clinics and cover the cost of springing pets out of shelters. This allows families to stay together and find new homes for their pets.
How You Can Help
While many think animal rescue mostly involves adopting dogs and cats from shelters, there are numerous other ways to make a difference. Animal welfare organizations have many programs to address the issue, such as relocating animals to places where they are more likely to be adopted and rehabilitating abused pets.
Hence, they are ready for new homes and helping low-income pet owners keep their animals by making veterinary care more affordable.
Homeless people with pets often face stigma when they seek assistance. They may be turned away from homeless shelters because they have a pet or be told their pet is dangerous to other residents.
Organizations are working to change this. They provide pet food and supplies, arrange free emergency veterinary services and wellness clinics, and advocate for policies allowing homeless shelters to accept pets so their owners can remain together. The group also promotes awareness with online social media campaigns.
Resources
Many animal charities rely on the generous donations of animal lovers to fund their lifesaving efforts. Some operate shelters or sanctuaries, while others focus on advocacy and other initiatives.
Some nonprofits focus on local community issues, while others operate nationwide or internationally. They all share one common goal: to end animal cruelty and create a world where animals are safe, healthy and have loving forever homes.
Animal shelters are vital community resources but need much financial support to survive. You can help by donating today. Many organizations offer monthly giving options that allow you to contribute a specific amount regularly and automatically.
No More Homeless Pets
In conclusion, the homeless pet crisis is a pressing issue and one that requires not only the support of organizations, but of individuals as well.
We can all help end homeless animals’ suffering by fostering, adopting and advocating for shelter animals, and by supporting organizations that work to end puppy mills and hold pet stores accountable for their practices.
By taking these measures, we can ensure that no more homeless pets are left out in the cold. The future of our furry friends depends on us.
