Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

Summers are hotter; storms are more violent, the winters more frigid and snowy.  The pet of a homeless person is in a situation he or she has never been in before.  Withstanding these extremes on the streets has become a nearly overwhelming task.  However, you can help to improve their pain and suffering.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless is the only national organization dedicated to feeding and providing emergency veterinary care to the pets of the homeless.  It is a challenging undertaking.  The number of homelessness grows and so too does the number of pets.  The strains and demands on resources expands in proportion.

Many homeless citizens are women.  Many are veterans.  Many had a job and a home just last week.  They have kids. Forty percent of homeless are kids under eighteen.  And of course an increasing percentage of them have pets: often for the only love and companionship they will receive; for warmth, protection from beatings, robberies and even sexual assault in unthinkable environments.

The dogs and cats who live on the streets did not ask to be there just like their homeless owners.  Nevertheless, they valiantly do their duty 24 hours a day and seven days a week.  Sharing the hardships of their companions, they are the most noble of creatures—asking nothing, giving all, taking what is given, enduring all hardships.

While their human companions, many who are sick, exhausted, mentally ill, and otherwise encumbered, do their very, very best to feed and care for their animals, they need your help.  Your donations often reflect the difference between life and death for an animal who so deserves your care and concern.

There are many deserving organizations reaching out to you for help.  A donation of $245.75 will pay for the average emergency case.  We are not asking for much.  We are asking for anything that your heart will allow you to donate because we know you care about pets that belong to the homeless. 

Your generosity joined with others who have a similar commitment to the Pets of the Homeless vision has allowed us, these past twelve months, to provide 1,170 companion and service animals with emergency veterinary care.  Treatment for infections, broken limbs, digestive issues, lacerations, parvo, skink issues, fleas and dental issues.  You have also helped us to provide 27,514 cans of pet food and 162,629 pounds of pet food plus crates, beds, collars, leashes, flea/tick treatments, and toys for thousands of pets across the country.  We are thankful and energized by the support you give, which will be all the more important in this coming year.  We are handling, on average 32 cases a week now.  Our average growth rate for cases over ten years is now at 118%!  Over 74% of phone calls turn into emergency cases.

Winter is approaching!  Please help these dogs and cats who, just like their human companions, are on the streets through no fault of their own.

Links:

• Feeding Pets of the Homeless