Emergency Veterinary Care for Pets of the Homeless

Pet owners worldwide represent every possible demographic and economic status, but share many commonalities.  They recognize the remarkable, resilient nature of the human-animal bond.  It has been well documented that pet ownership improves the lives of pet owners.  The loving comfort that a companion animal provides to their human helps to reduce loneliness, depression and anxiety as well as lowers blood pressure by petting the animal.  Homeless that we talk with will feed their pet before they feed themselves.   

Eric is a homeless man in the Elizabethtown, Kentucky area. He has been homeless for the past ten years. He sets up camp in wooded areas so he is away from people. He came into town because he noticed Junk Yard Dog’s leg was swollen and it needed some kind of attention. He luckily ran into people who were more than willing to help him. He told us that they were the ones who gave him Pets of the Homeless’ phone number.

He informed us that he let Junk Yard Dog out of his sight for a few minutes so Junk Yard Dog could go to the bathroom and when he returned his leg was swollen, possibly from a cut or from a bite wound.

Eric said the people were traveling towards Lexington, Kentucky and they would give him a ride to a hospital in that area. Pets of the Homeless approved an exam at the Animal Care Clinic.

After the exam, the doctor recommended and we approved: waste fee, x-rays, antibiotics, pain medications, and medications for swelling. The hospital said Junk Yard Dog might have been bit by another dog. We spent a total of $269.89 after a small discount.

Email from the Good Samaritans:

“Hello,

Eric has asked me to send you pictures of him and his dog Junk Yard Dog to show their situation. We also will drive him and the dog anywhere in the area to help them out. He says he’s been camping in the woods here and been able to get donations from people to eat and feed his dog.  I want to help him get the help they need. He really loves this dog I can see that. Please help him.”

Your support has helped dogs like Junk Yard Dog.  Just since January, we have handled 269 cases in 14 States.  78 hospitals gave the treatments at a cost of over $77,000.   Another 68 cases are pending, waiting for appointments or for verification of homelessness. 

Every day we get new cases.  Our three cases managers, Maia, Laura and Renee do a terrific job; saving lives of pets that belong to the homeless.

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