We do what we can to support both people and their animals.

Peter's story

Peter’s a team member at a St Mungo’s pet friendly accommodation. He shares the transformational difference keeping people with their pets can make, and the sense of community it creates too.

What’s your role at St Mungo’s?

I'm a Client Progression Coordinator, based in a St Mungo’s hostel, which houses up to 68 people. I support clients in their recovery from homelessness and help plan their move to more permanent housing.

What’s it like being part of a pet friendly accommodation?

Very rewarding! Especially when you see the stability and companionship pets bring to their owners through the toughest times. We have four dogs with us at the moment, and I love the atmosphere they bring – they add something that makes the harder days seem easier.

Is there a process for allowing pets?

It’s important our hostel is right for a pet, as well as its owner, so we do a short assessment to check they’ll be ok here. We see what they’re like in a busy setting, around new people. As the owner of a very nervous rescue dog, Finn (pictured), I know how important it is to get the environment right, for their safety and everyone else’s.

Can pets make it easier for you to bond with a person?

Definitely. Because we’ve not asked someone to make an impossible choice between a home or their pet, people are often more trusting and willing to engage, which makes it easier to get to know them. Pets can also help break the ice. Rather than diving straight into their backstory or future plans, it gives us something relaxed to chat about first.

Do you see people putting their pets’ needs before their own?

We do – recently a client told us about the bond he has with his dog and how distressed he’d be if anything happened to her. He always makes sure she’s fed and well cared for, before himself. When he was homeless, she was a constant source of emotional support. He was so glad when he found St Mungo's because he’d be lost without his dog by his side.

How much of an impact can a pet have on someone’s recovery?

They can make a huge difference in helping someone move forward – giving them a reason to get up and the motivation to keep trying. Pets give people a real sense of purpose and, even on difficult days, having that bond can mean so much.

How do other clients respond to pets in the service?

One of the nicest things is seeing how clients care for the animals. Even if a pet isn’t theirs, they’ll look out for them, which brings people together. It could be helping to walk a dog, giving them treats or looking after them for a day. Often, people who've experienced homelessness are used to looking out for one another. If someone's got a pet, that's the same thing – it’s a shared sense of responsibility.

What support do you give to pets?

We do what we can to support both people and their animals. We’ve built relationships with other organisations that help provide veterinary care and food, and they even step in to foster pets if their owner needs to stay in hospital, for example.

Are there any memorable moments of a client and their pet?

Gemma and Kaylee come to mind. Kaylee’s owner has been poorly for some time and since stepping in to care for her, Gemma’s transformation has been incredible. Having someone to care for has helped Gemma start looking after herself more, and she’s got a new sense of responsibility. You wouldn’t believe the difference it’s made to her. It’s a real reminder of the difference pets can make to our client’s lives.

We do what we can to support both people and their animals.

Peter's story

What’s your role at St Mungo’s?

What’s it like being part of a pet friendly accommodation?

Is there a process for allowing pets?

Can pets make it easier for you to bond with a person?

Do you see people putting their pets’ needs before their own?

How much of an impact can a pet have on someone’s recovery?

How do other clients respond to pets in the service?

What support do you give to pets?

Are there any memorable moments of a client and their pet?

From Here
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From Here
to Home

We do what we can to support both people and their animals.

Peter's story

What’s your role at St Mungo’s?

What’s it like being part of a pet friendly accommodation?

Is there a process for allowing pets?

Can pets make it easier for you to bond with a person?

Do you see people putting their pets’ needs before their own?

How much of an impact can a pet have on someone’s recovery?

How do other clients respond to pets in the service?

What support do you give to pets?

Are there any memorable moments of a client and their pet?

From Hereto Home

From Hereto Home

From Here
to Home

From Here
to Home