Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

Worldwide the COVID-19 cases are still rising.  According to the New York Times, 6/8/2020, the world has over seven million reported cases and over 403,000 deaths.    

The United States has the highest rate of recorded deaths.  In many areas in the country, we are observing a downturn of COVID-19 cases.  In my community, that is not the case.  Even so, the country is slowly opening up.  Researchers are working as fast as they can to find a vaccination that will protect us.  I fear that it will not be fast enough before a second wave of the pandemic will reappear causing economic disruption and a looming recession. 

While many people are going back to work, the chronically homeless will remain unemployed.  They are people, young and old, who have a mental or physical disability, an addiction, young people turned out of foster care, people escaping domestic violence (young and old), elderly whose pensions do not keep up with high rents.  Sixty percent of our fellow citizens are a paycheck away from homelessness.

If in fact the virus resurfaces, at Feeding Pets of the Homeless^TM, we are prepared to return to our homes and continue to serve pets that belong to the homeless across the country.  Our plan has worked well during the last few months and will again.  We have received SBA’s EIDL and PPP loans that have allowed us to continue to pay staff, keep our office lease, along with all the other overhead and programs that are required to keep helping pets that are suffering or hungry.

In April, we helped 58 pets of homeless people at a cost of $22,190 (after hospital discounts).   Of the 58 cases, 68% of the pet’s owner were homeless women.  Of the total cases, they have been homeless for two years and eight months. Only six were living in a shelter, 30% were living in a vehicle and 29% of callers were living in a tent. 

Your donations at GlobalGiving have been a blessing that I am truly grateful. 

One case in April . . .   Feeding Pets of the Homeless^TM received a call from Sheri, a homeless woman in Oakland, CA regarding her dog Peanut, a 13-year-old Miniature Pinscher Chihuahua mix that she rescued eleven years ago.  Peanut had bitten by another dog.  She said she took Peanut to the emergency room the night before she called us.  The doctor there told her that Peanut requires six medications that she could not afford.  She said that Peanut might need eye surgery.  The woman is homeless and living in a bus that was given to her by someone on Craigslist as a donation.  She has been homeless for one month and does not receive any aid.  She was referred to us by another social agency that verified her homelessness.  We approved an examination at a participating network veterinarian. 

After the exam, the veterinarian recommended and we approved an eye stain test of the cornea, Rimadyl (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory), an e-collar and eye drops.  We assisted with $118 and received $85 in discounts.  We have not heard back from Sheri and hope that Peanut is doing well.

Your support is needed to help dogs like Peanut and women like Sheri.

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The COVID-19 situation is changing constantly and during these stressful times, our pets remain the one comfort we all rely on.  Their love keeps us going and their funny antics keep a smile on our face.  

To a homeless person, their pet offers the same comforts we all experience, adding protection and warmth.

People who experience homelessness have higher mortality rates than those who aren't, especially now.  Homeless shelters are dangerous places when it comes to #COVID19, especially since many people who are homeless are older or have chronic medical conditions.  Many homeless forgo testing or treatment when ill because they worry about who will take care of their pet, where will they go?  Happily, we are hearing of communities where they are placing homeless in motels to be quarantined if they test positive. Many of those motels are allowing pets much to the relief to their guardians. This is not the case in all areas leading to the hesitation to seek medical care when they have beloved pets.

At Feeding Pets of the Homeless, we are and will continue to treat pets of homeless people when they are injured or have an illness.  Our case managers are working from their homes and are able to keep up with the 20+ cases a week that involve pets from around the country.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless received a call from Jessica who lives on the streets in Balboa Park in San Diego, CA.  She has been homeless for five years, is disabled and receives food stamps as her only source of income.  She was referred to us by the Humane Society.  After verifying her homeless situation with an outreach coordinator, we were able to provide her with veterinary treatment for her dog Chico. 

Chico, a 10-year old neutered male Chihuahua mix, couldn't walk, was breathing heavily, was drinking a lot of water and his stomach was very hard.  We approved an examination at one of our 960 network hospitals.

After the exam, the veterinarian recommended bloodwork, x-rays, a blood pressure check and medications.  We approved this treatment.  When the blood work came back, we learned that the liver values were high, and Chico's liver was severely enlarged.  Two weeks later, Chico was not doing better and we approved a recheck. The veterinarian rechecked Chico's liver on ultrasound at no charge and feared that his gall bladder may burst. 

The veterinarian recommended a Covenia (antibiotic) injection. We approved a recheck of Chico's bloodwork after the injections. Unfortunately, the vet needed to discuss euthanasia with Jessica because Chico's liver was pushing at his diaphragm.  We assisted monetarily with the diagnostics and euthanasia.

Without resources when a pet is ill, the homeless find Feeding Pets of the Homeless usually by word of mouth or through the internet.  With the discounts from our network hospitals, we are able to pay for treatments needed and relieve the financial burden of euthanasia for unfortunately grim circumstances, like in the case of Chico.

We work closely with our veterinary partners and while not every situation works out saving an animal, helping a homeless client support their pet at end of life with dignity and respect is also part of our important mission.

During these unique times, nonprofits are stepping up more than ever to help and we need your support to continue our compassionate work in communities across the country. Use your voice, your money or your time to support a nonprofit that is doing good in this most uncertain time.

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• Feeding Pets of the Homeless