Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

Hello, my name is Baby. I am an 11-year-old Chihuahua mix living under a bridge with my mom. We don’t have transportation, and life has been difficult since my dad passed away from COVID-19 six years ago. He was our sole provider, and since then, we’ve survived on Social Security and SNAP. I’m my mom’s emotional support dog, and we need each other more than anything.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority has us on a waiting list for housing and has verified that we are homeless.

One day while walking with my mom, I was attacked by another dog. My left eye was left hanging out of its socket. My mom was heartbroken—she didn’t know how she could possibly afford the emergency care I needed.

Desperate, she searched online and found Feeding Pets of the Homeless®. After a phone interview, I was approved for treatment at a local animal hospital. There, I underwent surgery to remove my injured eye. I was placed under anesthesia, received antibiotics, and was given pain medication.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, Feeding Pets of the Homeless covered $989 for my care.

Today, I’m back with my mom and recovering. Here’s what she shared with us:

“Hi, just an update on Baby—she's five days out of surgery now and though she's still recovering, she's doing wonderful. Nothing stops this little girl! Again, I am FOREVER grateful to you and everyone at Feeding Pets of the Homeless. You have truly proven that there are people out there who really care. Without all of you and the help you provided, I don't know what I would've done.”

 Like it or Not – The New Tax Law

 Now is the time to give.

 In 2025, high-earning donors may choose to give more because starting in 2026, they will lose some tax benefits for charitable giving.

1. Next year, donors who itemize will only be able to deduct charitable gifts after giving at least 0.5% of their adjusted gross income. On top of that, deductions will be capped at 35%—lower than today’s top tax bracket of 37%.
2. Corporations will be required to donate at least 1% of their profits before being eligible for a charitable deduction.

These changes could reduce the tax advantages of giving in the future. Making a gift in 2025 ensures you receive the maximum benefits while helping pets of people experiencing homelessness today.

Always consult your accountant or financial advisor to understand how these changes may affect you.

As the cold weather nears, please remember those who struggle to survive.  Be kind. 

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless

There are still many Americans who are experiencing homelessness each day, along with their pet.  These innocent pets have few ways to get the emergency aid they need, and their lives are in danger.  

Feeding Pets of the Homeless is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing pet food and emergency veterinary care to pets belonging to people experiencing homelessness.

Unlike for-profit businesses that can pass rising costs on to consumers, nonprofits like ours have few options. Inflation has driven up the prices of essentials like pet food and veterinary care—items critical to the services we provide. The need is greater than ever.

Every moment is a struggle for survival for these pets who have very few ways to get any assistance. 

Pets like Tasha.

Tasha is a 16-year-old female husky who stays in a car with her dad. They have been experiencing homelessness for over 13 years.

Tasha’s owner struggles with a traumatic brain injury, so he has major issues with his memory and has no support system or family.

She is her dad’s best and closest friend, as is the case with most people with pets experiencing homelessness. Tasha is the one thing he consistently remembers day-to-day, and so she provides him with some stability.

One day, he noticed that Tasha had a growth on her neck that was beginning to expand rapidly. It soon grew to the size of a softball and significantly impacted her quality of life.

Tasha and her dad visited a very kind veterinarian who helped them set up a crowdfunding campaign; however, the procedure cost exceeded the amount they could raise. But the vet said that if they waited, it might become inoperable.

That’s when the vet reached out to Feeding Pets of the Homeless, and approval for the procedure was received.

Thankfully, the vet was able to remove the entire mass without a hitch. Tasha is back to her energetic self and can continue to provide support and comfort for her dad as they continue to work towards a better living situation.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless was proud to provide $675 towards Tasha’s care.

Remember, people experiencing homelessness have pets because they keep them going.  They are their best friend and in many ways their protectors too. 

Thank you for being a part of our mission to save pets.

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless
• Your Make a Difference - Video
• 2024 Annual Report