Pets

We support people experiencing homelessness with their pets whenever we can.

Pets

We support people experiencing homelessness with their pets whenever we can

At St Mungo’s, we understand the powerful emotional support that pets can provide. That’s why we’re one of the few charities that offers pet-friendly services for people experiencing homelessness.

A pet can be a source of comfort and protection for someone sleeping on the streets. This leads to many people being forced to choose between shelter and their pet.

How does it work?

As part of any referral to St Mungo’s, whether it’s through the local council, StreetLink and our outreach teams, we always take pets into account. Our teams work to find the most appropriate accommodation for both the client and their pet, helping them move away from the streets together.

While most of the people we support with pets have dogs, we’ve also welcomed cats and other pets into our services.

We’re committed to making our services as accessible as possible to people with pets. We empower clients to take ownership of their pet’s wellbeing, offering advice and access to support when needed. Pet agreements are put in place to ensure the welfare of animals in our accommodation remains a priority.

We also have policies to support the comfort and safety of everyone else in our services, for example, in cases of allergies or phobias.

Keeping best friends together

A pet can be a source of comfort and protection for someone sleeping on the streets. But sadly, many people are forced to choose between shelter or staying with their pet.

In 2024, we conducted polling on the housing crisis and its impact on people living with pets.

50% of those surveyed reported being placed in situations where they had to choose between keeping their pet or accessing housing.

At St Mungo’s, we believe no one should have to make that choice.

More about the service

How does it work?
Keeping best friends together
Resources
Related content

Resources

Sinclair's Story (Winter Frontline 2024)

Pets

Pets

How does it work?

Keeping best friends together

Resources

Related content

50% of individuals have been forced to choose their pets over housing or face homelessness

Hope for people in Brighton experiencing homelessness and their dogs

Resource Library