Homelessness is incredibly hard, particularly rough sleeping. Days—sometimes weeks—can go by without a kind word, smile, or even a glance of acknowledgement when you’re on the street. Without friends, family, or a support network, homelessness can make people feel invisible, lonely and hopeless.
Isolated from the world, a dog can provide much-needed companionship for someone on the streets. But more importantly, dogs can act as a beacon of hope. More than pets, they’re lifelines.
Why do homeless people need dogs?
Dogs offer emotional and practical support, often providing a sense of purpose, security, and comfort when needed most.
Emotional support
- Unconditional Love: Dogs don’t judge, criticise, or turn away. They love their owners for who they are and stay loyal no matter what.
- Comfort in hard times: Living on the streets is lonely and traumatic and can have a devasting impact on someone’s mental health. A dog offers comfort in the darkest moments, soothing pain in ways words can’t.
- Companionship: When moving from place to place or roaming the streets, a dog can feel like someone’s only constant. It reminds people who feel forgotten that they are loved, needed, and seen.
Security, safety and purpose
- A reason to keep going: Dogs give their owners a purpose—a reason to wake up, overcome addiction, and move forward. When a dog depends on you, it motivates you to take care of yourself and your pet, making giving up not an option.
- Security: Life on the street can be dangerous and unpredictable. A dog can help provide protection, helping owners feel safer and less vulnerable, particularly at night.
How do homeless people take care of their dogs?
Dogs and other pets are like family for many of us. This is no different for people experiencing homelessness who love their companions. They go to great lengths to ensure their dogs are well cared for. Almost all (93%) would rather sleep outside than give up their dog for housing.
Some people believe that having a dog while homeless is unfair, often due to concerns about animal welfare. However, studies have found that dogs with homeless owners are often healthier, less likely to be overweight, and have fewer behaviour issues, like aggression towards strangers or separation anxiety, than dogs living in regular homes. They also have a strong bond with their owner. So don’t worry—if you see someone with a dog on the street, you can be reassured that their dog is in good hands and well-loved.
A barrier to support
Sadly, only 10% of all homeless hostels in the UK accept pets. This leaves people with dogs with an impossible ultimatum: give up their furry friend or stay on the streets. It’s a decision no one should make, especially when pets are sometimes the only family they have.
The main reasons given by hostels for not accepting people with pets are:
- Lack of staff knowledge and training
- Health and safety concerns
- Pet welfare responsibility concerns
- “No pet” clauses in hostel lease agreements
- Difficulty finding pet-friendly permanent housing
Organisations are trying to change this. StreetVet and Dogs Trust are two charities that work with homelessness services to ensure that they are set up to care for people and their dogs. They train staff, offer free veterinary care, and accredit services with good pet policies. Luckily, the Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will also make renting more pet-friendly, opening up more housing options for people experiencing homelessness with pets.
We have partnered with StreetVet to make our services pet-friendly and accredited. These hostels are safe and welcoming environments where people and their pets can stay together, regroup, and work to rebuild their lives beyond homelessness.
No one should choose between a home and their furry friend.
Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to live for themselves and their pets.
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