I am always amazed by the great work this nonprofit does for the benefit of the animals as well as their owners. Having seen a homeless man in my city with his dog and all the joy and caring he could give to his "buddy" and the love they share. These animals are crucial to these folks. I'm so happy to be able to help this organization get the recognition they so rightfully deserve.
Working with their founder, Genevieve, was an amazing experience. To see the passion and love put behind this organization, you know that they are truly invested in helping people and their pets. Living in San Francisco, I see daily the impact that these animals have on their partner's lives. That bond of friendship is irreplaceable. To have an organization like this out there right now, doing this work for so many vulnerable people, is truly a godsend. Everyone needs to know about the incredible work that this organization is doing - saving and improving lives every single day.
My husband and I volunteer in Colorado Springs, CO for an organization called Street Petz, which is an off shoot of Pets of the Homeless. We provide free food and minor vet care, to include shots to homeless and low income people.
I am humbled to be a part of this organization. These people wait patiently in line for their turn for food or shots. While waiting we talk with these people. Their stories are heartbreaking, however, one thing in constant, the love they have for their pets. All of them will go without food in order to ensure their pet has food first. They love their animals with all their heart and many times, their pet is their only companion, friend and family.
God Bless Pets of the Homeless and Street Petz for all you do!!
Review from Guidestar
I found myself in a very dire condition with 7 cats and 4 dogs. I desperately needed help to feed my animals as I did not want to surrender them to a shelter. I lived in a camper trailer in a friends property and found Pets of the Homeless through a church recommendation.
They assisted me not only with food for my animals but also with veterinary care and spay and neuter.
I am forever grateful to them and all the assistance they gave me, allowing me to keep my furry kids and sleep at night knowing they had their bellies full!
Many donors have described our nonprofit as unique because we help the pets of the homeless. They are thrilled that they have found us and many have set up recurring donations of pet food and money that pays veterinary costs. Many others want to do even more by volunteering to pick up pet food from the collection sites and deliver it to the many distributing organizations that have partnered with us. Some volunteers even take the pet food to where they have seen encampments. It is through all these efforts that Pets of the Homeless grows stronger each year. Now going into our fifth year we can report that as of today with your help we have spent over $120,000 on veterinary care across the country that has helped over 8,600 pets. Through wellness clinics or emergency care the tail wags are our thank you.
Review from Guidestar
When I joined Pets of the Homeless they were an all volunteer staff. Now they are paying themselves a salary. Now, when I request help for a pet, they are always broke. I am no longer associated with this organization who is more interested in raising money for themselves than helping pets.
Previous Stories
It's been a year since we became volunteers for Feeding Pets of the Homeless. My husband and I have met many wonderful people with a common interest in pets who are cared for by the homeless and less fortunate. We have recruited nine collection sites, delivered three tons of pet food to homeless encampments, food pantries, and individuals. We are the first in the nation to organize a Spay/Neuter day at a homeless encampment along with one of our partners/rescue group. Our volunteer veterinarian spay/neutered 20 dogs and cats, administered vaccinations, and minor aliments. We are proud to belong to such a supportive non-profit organization who truly cares about the best friends of the less fortunate.
Pets belonging to the homeless have no choice or voice about their life situation or experiences. Volunteers for Pets of the Homeless have directly changed and improved the lives of these animals.
Genevieve Frederick, Executive Director and Founder, is a selfless person who has touched many lives. Her tireless efforts have made Pets of the Homeless a national non-profit organization with an outreach to animals across the country.
Pets of the Homeless volunteers have a passion for animals in such circumstances and they become directly involved to make things happen. Volunteers organize community collection sites for donated pet food. Because the homeless have no way to carry or handle large amounts of pet food, they repackage pet food into smaller quantities which are easier to manage.
Volunteers recruit distribution sites such as soup kitchens and homeless shelters where the pet food can be given to the homeless for their pets.
Volunteer veterinarians with grants from Pets of the Homeless organize and provide special clinics for these animals. Clinics include wellness examinations, immunizations, treatment for minor conditions and sometimes includes spaying and neutering.
Pets of the Homeless will provide animal crates free-of-charge to any shelter which will allow the homeless refuge with their pets.
This is an incredible organization which reaches beyond the United States into Canada and includes influence in Australia. The lives of animals are changed and on occasion literally saved.
Previous Stories
Of course, as a volunteer board member and newsletter editor, I have a soft spot in my heart for Pets of the Homeless. This is an amazing, non-profit organization with a volunteer outreach across the United States and in Canada. Pets of the Homeless provides grants to veterinarians who go where the homeless are to provide clinics, at no charge for their pets. Volunteers collect food and pet supplies which are taken to distribution locations to be given to pets of the homeless. Often, when the homeless seek assistance for their pets, they are able to find resources for themselves. Most homeless shelters do not allow animals. Upon request, Pets of the Homeless Crate Program will provide free crates, cleaning supplies and bowls to shelters that will allow pets with their owners access into the shelter.
I'm an animal law attorney in the D.C. metropolitan area, where there is a significant, growing population of homeless and near-homeless folks. I've watched people in my community 'transition' from being 'middle-class' to being homeless in a matter of weeks or months. Most homeless shelters don't allow pets and many homeless folks are faced with the horrible choice between losing a beloved companion to a shelter, where the pet may be first in line for the gas chamber as an "owner givaway" or taking the pet to a feral colony and hoping for the best---the odds disfavor the elderly and infirm. Thank goodness for Feeding The Pets of the Homeless; this service has more value than we can quantify in raw dollars and cents, which I would gladly contribute if I (and my four elderly cats) weren't standing on the precipice of homelessness ourselves.
This charity was recommended last Christmas on Cake Wrecks, where we were all giving money to commemorate the holidays. The picture at the top of their home page fair broke my heart, and being a lifelong dog-lover, and having been homeless for nearly a year (I was *very* fortunate being able to get my Section 8 so quickly), I know how hard it is to keep connected to society at large, and what a tragedy it is there aren't any homeless shelters that allow pets. Knowing if my baby-girl dog had still been alive when I became homeless that I'd have made the same choice as these folks, I want to help them as much as I can. Pets of the Homeless makes sure these precious companions are kept well-feed and healthy, giving their mommies & daddies one less thing to worry about. Our four-legged companions are so often overlooked in times of human tragedy, and yet it's often our four-legged companions that keep us going. I'd highly recommend anyone who has a few dollars to spare to give the cash to Pets of the Homeless, or buy some dog or cat food and take it to a connection site. You'll make two souls' journey on this Earth a bit easier.
Feeding Pets of the Homeless is an excellent organization. I found this organization after encountering a homeless person and their pet. After I called and sent a few emails I realized just how great this organization was. It encourages people to become involved by setting up collection sites for pet food so food can be distributed throughout. I liked the way that everyone can be involved. They also post financials on their website for you to view. I recommend this organization to anyone who would like to help or donate.