Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

Hello, 

A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association confirms what pet owners have long known: pets make our lives better. In fact, 81% of respondents reported that their pets positively impact their mental health. Among them, 65% credited their pets with reducing stress and anxiety. Notably, adults 65 and older were especially likely to recognize the emotional benefits of pet companionship.

“Whether it’s a wagging tail, a calming purr, bursts of play, or quiet companionship, pets bring us comfort, connection, and happiness—often when we need it the most,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

At Feeding Pets of the Homeless, we see this every day. People experiencing homelessness who have pets find the same comfort, connection, and happiness -but they also gain a vital sense of protection on the streets, which can be unforgiving.

62% of our clients are women - and of those, 38% have escaped domestic violence.

Many of these women have fled dangerous situations with their children and their beloved pets, carrying the weight of trauma, fear, and uncertainty. We’re here to offer something they can hold onto: hope. Hope in the form of pet food, emergency veterinary care, and the reminder that they are not alone.

Hear from one of the pets you've helped:

Hello! I’m Twenty-Seven, a 3-year-old Pitbull staying in a parking lot with my mom. We became homeless after we fled a violent living situation. As my mom’s closest friend and confidant, I offer her love and support while we work through this difficult part of our lives.

My mom noticed a lump growing very quickly on my face-- it then ruptured, and I was in a lot of pain. My mom kept me comfortable while she began to seek assistance, and she contacted Feeding Pets of the Homeless to get me looked at by a vet.

The veterinarian noticed that the lump was a large abscess, and they cleaned it out easily. I was sent with medication, and now I am feeling much better!
Thank you to Feeding Pets of the Homeless for contributing a total of $1,189 towards my care!

An email from my mom: “...thank you so much you and this program are amazing when I get back on my feet I will donate for sure. Both Twenty-Seven and I r so grateful…"

Thank you for being a part of our mission.

Links:

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

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

• 33% of people expereincing homelessness (3.5 million) have a pet

Right now, we are facing a perfect storm.

Veterinary costs and pet food prices are rising—fast. But unlike for-profit companies, we can’t pass those costs on. Instead, we rely on compassionate people like you to keep pets healthy and out of suffering. At the same time, market uncertainty is impacting donors’ ability to give, just as demand for our services is surging.

We urgently need your help.

Your monthly donation ensures that no pet goes without care just because their person is going through the hardest time of their life.

Together, we can protect the bond between people and their beloved pets—one meal, one vet visit, one life at a time.

Please start a monthly gift today. It’s the most powerful way to help.

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Hi, I’m Billy, a 2-month-old PomChi mix living with my dad in San Francisco, CA. We currently stay in the car, and my dad has been experiencing homelessness for over 10 years. I quickly bonded with my dad and my other doggy sibling!

After I hurt my leg, my dad was very worried when I couldn’t use it anymore and sought assistance from Feeding Pets of the Homeless. Once I got an urgent exam, the vet took x-rays of my leg and saw that my leg had been broken.

The vet gave me a splint and some medicine, and now I am back to my playful self again! Thank you to Feeding Pets of the Homeless for contributing $1,018 towards my care.

A review (on Google) from my owner: Thank you for everything you guys do, you are truly angels. You saved us from a lot of suffering and when I can afford to, I will be making donations. Thank you, Carlee! And thank you everyone for your donations! Me and my pups really appreciate it!

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Hi, my name is Luna. I’m a 10-year-old female blue healer. I live with my dad in a shed in the woods. We are currently experiencing homelessness.

One day I felt sick, lethargic and vomiting, so my dad took me to the Vet. They told him I had pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the uterus. The Vet said I would need emergency surgery. My dad was so scared he was going to lose me.

Luckily the Vet gave him the number for Feeding Pets of the Homeless. Once he called, a case manager was able to arrange surgery for me in Grants Pass. I am now at home recovering with my dad.

Thank you to case worker’s quick action and Feeding Pets of the homeless for saving my life.

Feeding Pets of The Homeless contributed a total of $1,505 towards Luna’s Care.

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless