Pets, Emotional Support, Service Animals
Pets, Emotional Support, Service Animals
Animal (Emotional ESA/Service/Pet)
SEAACA with Michelson Found Animals
Shin Shin and Torrance Lost and Found Pet Vaccines and Microchip
Vetcare Affordable Pet Vaccine and Microchip
ASPCA Mobile Spay and Neuter for Cats and Dogs
General checkups, infection checks etc.
Nakaoka Community Center Pet Clinic Gardena
The Canine Condition Foundation
Doggiepalooza, low cost vaccine
Pawty Little Things Dog Event, Paramount
National Pet Day in City of La Habra
MORE Animal Resources
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Financial Assistance for service dogs:
Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD)
Paws and Hot Asphalt
Free Tag, Crumb
Adopt a Pet for Free Day
Posts for Lost Pet
Animal (Emotional ESA/Service/Pet)
Pet Pantry
Operation All Paws
Cat Food Pantry, Cool Cat Collective, Long Beach
SEAACA with Michelson Found Animals
Pet Medical Clinics
Cat Program, CAMP
Free Spay and Neuter
Pet Vaccines and Microchips, Long Beach
Vaccine Vets Clinic
Shin Shin and Torrance Lost and Found Pet Vaccines and Microchip
Vetcare Affordable Pet Vaccine and Microchip
ASPCA Mobile Spay and Neuter for Cats and Dogs
Feline Wellness including Spay/ Neuter
DTLA Dog Day
Vaccines, Microchip, Neuter, The Rescue Train
Camp Wellness Wagon
General checkups, infection checks etc.
Nakaoka Community Center Pet Clinic Gardena
Dental Cleaning, Vaccinations, Spay Neuter, Pet Licensing
Paws on the Hill, Signal Hill
The Canine Condition Foundation
Spay Neuter, E-Coller, Microchip, Vaccines, Flea Tick Meds
Pet Events
Pet Water Parks
https://parks.lacounty.gov/pooches-in-the-pool/
Furbaby, Gardena
Monthly Camp Mobile
Community Animal Medicine Project, LA
Pawradise, LA
Free Dog Food, Wags and Walks at CCNP
Summer Pet Clinic, Pets Landing, The People Concern
Doggiepalooza, low cost vaccine
Pawty Little Things Dog Event, Paramount
Free Spay and Neuter, Mission Hills
National Pet Day in City of La Habra
Pet Insurance
Link to PowerPoint slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zqg-gDQ5MnVbchqe4LVIvnq77pzDvR9QpPoqYEW351U/edit?usp=sharing
The following is a text-only version (a PDF version is available via email at request). -Zebek
Table of Contents
Pet, ESA, and Service Animal Differences
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program
Nonprofit Resources: Services – Holistic Support
Nonprofit Resources: Services – Healthcare/Training
Nonprofit Resources: Services – Pet Housing/Shelter Rescue
Los Angeles Animal Services: Pet-Friendly Housing
Contributors: Emily P., Sophie P., ZeBek, Patricia K.
Agenda
Introduction
Animals and Homelessness
What is working well?
What is not working well?
Recommendations
Animals and Homelessness
Behind Pet Companionship
Pet Laws and Housing Policy
Pet Friendly Permanent Housing
Quick Links:
Find pet food, shelters that accepts animals, emergency veterinary care, and more!
https://petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/
Homeless shelters that accepts pets:
https://petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/find-locations/
Food and supplies:
http://www.petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/find-locations
Emergency Veterinarian
Case managers are available to take new cases M-F 9am – 3pm PST.
If your pet experiences illness or injury, please call us. 1-775-841-7463.
One of our Case Managers will conduct an interview to see if you and your pet qualify for assistance through our Emergency Vet Care Program.
If you are eligible, the Case Manager will approve an exam and help you make an appointment for your pet at a local hospital or clinic.
While there is no charge to you, we appreciate any payment towards the invoice made to the hospital at the time of the visit.
We do not take new emergency calls after hours or on weekends.
Leave a message and a case manager will return your call the next business day.
We have case managers working remotely and may be calling you back from a private number, so be sure to answer your phone. If your emergency cannot wait, please reach out to other organizations listed on our State and National resources pages.
https://locator.lacounty.gov/lac/Search?&find=Animals%20and%20Pets&cat=96
Introduction
People’s animals are offered different privileges based on their titles.
In housing lingo, animals are categorized in three separate categories.
Pet, ESA, and Service Animal Differences
ESAs and PSDs are considered Assistance animals. This is important language for the definitions of the laws pertaining to assistance animals.
Animals and Homelessness
“People we offer our services to are always filled with gratitude. You know, a lot of people living on the street, their animals are their reason for getting up every day and their oxygen.”
— Lisa Young, Co-Founder/Executive Director, The Rescue Train
Reasons for surrender chart? - https://laascharts.lacontroller.app/#reasons-surr
Animals and Homelessness
An estimated 10% of the unhoused population have pets, though some social service providers believe the number could be as high as 25% (National Coalition for the Homeless).
In 2020, it was estimated that 5% - 10% of unhoused individuals in Los Angeles County have an animal companion. During the time, nearly 60,000 people were unhoused.
Credit: Nick Fewings | Unsplash
Credit: Zac Durant | Unsplash
Credit: Patrick Hendry | Unsplash
Pets
https://be.chewy.com/what-is-an-emotional-support-animal/
Credit: BeChewy | Chewy Studios
According to Merriam-Webster, a pet is defined as a domesticated animal kept for pleasure rather than utility.
The term “pet” means a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle, or other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes.
Merriam Webster
Legal Information Institute
PET RESOURCES
o Pet & Pals: Pet shelter. –
www.petsnpals.org / 209-982-5073
o Better Together Forever: Various resources for pets and their owners. – www.peopleandpetsbtf.org / 323-963-4299
o Bark Avenue Foundation: Various resources for pets and their owners. - www.charitypaws.com
o Simon Veterinary Surgical (SVS): Veterinary services.
www.simonvetsurgical.com / (310) 402-3573
Assistance Animals
Per HUD, an assistance animal is an animal that works, provides assistance, or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or that provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified effects or a person’s disability. An assistance animal is not a pet.
Assistance animals are also known as:
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
Support animal
Therapy animal
Credit: Bryan Mitchell / AP Images for The HSUS
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/assistance_animals
ESAs and PSDs are considered Assistance animals. This is important language for the definitions of the laws pertaining to assistance animals.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) provides comfort and companionship to individuals with mental health conditions.
Unlike Service Animals, ESAs do not perform specific tasks but alleviate symptoms through their presence. A licensed mental health professional’s letter is required to legally recognize an ESA, setting it apart from a pet.
Credit: American SPCC
https://ruraloutreach.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/www/wp-content/uploads/emotional-support-animals.png
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that provides therapeutic benefit (e.g., emotional support, comfort, companionship) to a person with a mental health or psychiatric disability (such as a serious mental health condition).
An ESA is not considered a Service Animal, but under U.S. law, an emotional support animal is also not considered a pet and is generally not restricted by the type of animal.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide relief from mental health symptoms through their presence, rather than performing specific tasks.
To legally have an ESA, a licensed mental health professional must document the owner’s qualifying mental health condition in a prescription letter. This letter distinguishes a legitimate ESA from a pet.
Service Animal
https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/
How “Service Animal” Is Defined
Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties.
Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.
Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
Some State and local laws also define service animals more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from the relevant State attorney general’s office.
Where Service Animals Are Allowed
Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.
For example, in a hospital it usually would be inappropriate to exclude a service animal from areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms.
However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn units where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment.
Service Animals Must Be Under Control
A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed.
Staff may ask two questions:
(1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
(2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog dander and a person who uses a service animal must spend time in the same room or facility, for example, in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter, they both should be accommodated by assigning them, if possible, to different locations within the room or different rooms in the facility.
A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.
Establishments that sell or prepare food must generally allow service animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises.
People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals. In addition, if a business requires a deposit or fee to be paid by patrons with pets, it must waive the charge for service animals.
If a business such as a hotel normally charges guests for damage that they cause, a customer with a disability may also be charged for damage caused by himself or his service animal.
Staff are not required to provide care for or supervision of a service animal.
Establishments that sell or prepare food must generally allow service animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises.
People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals. In addition, if a business requires a deposit or fee to be paid by patrons with pets, it must waive the charge for service animals.
If a business such as a hotel normally charges guests for damage that they cause, a customer with a disability may also be charged for damage caused by himself or his service animal.
Staff are not required to provide care for or supervision of a service animal.
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. Animals which meet this definition are considered service animals whether or not they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. Service animals, usually dogs of any breed or size, are working animals and are not considered pets. A service animal:
guides people who are blind
alerts people who are hearing impaired
pulls wheelchairs
alerts and protects a person who may have seizures
performs other special tasks
Credit: PDS Center
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/service-animals-ffdmv-5/
A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.
Establishments that sell or prepare food must generally allow service animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises.
People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals. In addition, if a business requires a deposit or fee to be paid by patrons with pets, it must waive the charge for service animals.
If a business such as a hotel normally charges guests for damage that they cause, a customer with a disability may also be charged for damage caused by himself or his service animal.
Staff are not required to provide care for or supervision of a service animal.
Financial Assistance for service dogs:
(ADSA) Assistance Dog Special Allowance service dog allowance
Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD)
Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are service dogs that help people with “invisible disabilities,” meaning mental health issues like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and they have the same rights and protections as traditional service dogs that help people with physical disabilities like vision and mobility impairment. The legal protections and rights that a psychiatric service dog has include:
Access to public places like stores, restaurants, theaters and hotels
The ability to fly in the cabin of an airplane and walk through an airport
Access to buildings that do not allow pets, like offices, train stations, etc.
Access to no-pets housing and exemption from pet fees and deposits
Exemption from residential breed and size restrictions
Credit: eBay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154565096884
Psychiatric service dogs (PSDs) are service dogs that help people with “invisible disabilities,” meaning mental health issues like ADHD, anxiety, and depression, and they have the same rights and protections as traditional service dogs that help people with physical disabilities like vision and mobility impairment. The legal protections and rights that a psychiatric service dog has include:
Access to public places like stores, restaurants, theaters and hotels
The ability to fly in the cabin of an airplane and walk through an airport
Access to buildings that do not allow pets, like offices, train stations, and campuses
Access to no-pets housing and exemption from pet fees and deposits
Exemption from residential breed and size restrictions
Psychiatric service dogs are legal service dogs with training to perform tasks related to the handler’s mental health condition. For example, they can remind the handler to take medication, calm the owner with touch during moments of crisis, and interrupt negative behavior patterns.
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/assistance_animals
Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program
Who is it for?
The Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) program provides a monthly payment of $50 to eligible persons who use a guide, signal, or service dog to help them with their disability-related needs. The allowance is to help pay the costs of food, grooming, and health care for the dog.
Factsheet, (Large Print), Factsheet – Spanish
How to Apply:
If you are a resident of California, receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI),State Supplementary Payment (SSP), In-Home Support Services (IHSS), or Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) benefits, please complete one of the following applications: ADSA1, ADSA1L (Large Print), ADSA1 (Spanish), or ADSA 1L (Spanish - Large Print).
If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, please complete one of the following applications: ADSA – SSDI Recipients (Form ADSA1B), ADSA1BL (Large Print), ADSA 1B Spanish, or ADSA1BL (Spanish - Large Print) and attach a benefit statement from the Social Security Administration.
If you are currently in the ADSA program receiving ADSA benefits and need to renew your eligibility, please complete one of the following applications: ADSA1A, ADSA1AL (Large Print), ADSA 1A (Spanish), or ADSA1AL (Spanish - Large Print).
Print, sign, and mail your application to:
Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program
California Department of Social Services
744 P Street, MS 9-11-91
Sacramento, CA 95814
Service Dogs from Regional Center
Food and Supplies for Animals
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The Saint Margaret Center. Address10217 S. Inglewood Ave.
Inglewood, California 90304get directionsPhone Number 310-672-2208
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4 days ago
📣 Our 2024 Annual Report is here! 🐾Last year, your support helped us provide emergency veterinary care to more than 1,800 pets and deliver over 295,000 pounds of pet food to those in need. But the need continues to grow—and so does the urgency.💔 For 7 months in 2024, we had to pause services during the final week of each month due to funding shortfalls.Your compassion kept pets and their peopl ... See More
1 week ago
Hi, my name is Luna. I’m a 10-year-old female blue healer. I live with my dad in a shed in the woods. We are currently experiencing homelessness.One day I felt sick, lethargic and vomiting, so my dad took me to the vet. They told him I had pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection of the uterus. The vet said I would need emergency surgery. My dad was so scared he wa ... See More
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Inability to Access Shelter: According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 1 in 5 people experiencing homelessness don’t accept shelter because their pet can’t join them. Many congregate shelters prohibit pets, making it incredibly challenging for people experiencing homelessness with a pet to find a warm place to sleep at night. According to a study by Seattle University’s School of Law, “no-pet policies perpetuate homelessness by excluding and limiting access to necessary housing, shelter, and services.” Pallet’s personal shelters, on the other hand, provide their residents with a private space where they can reside with their pets. In some locations, Pallet shelter communities even have a dog run for residents and their pets.
Difficulty Accessing Services: If someone facing homelessness is able to find a pet-friendly congregate shelter, what options do they have for pet care while they access the services they need to reintegrate into society? How can someone access job training, mental health services, and other needs without a safe place to leave their pet? Unfortunately, their options are few, creating another barrier between their current situation and reintegration into society and permanent housing.
Strain on Limited Resources: For people who can sometimes barely find food for themselves, pets add an additional challenge as their owners search for funds or donations to acquire pet food.
Public and Law Enforcement Criticism: People experiencing homelessness who keep pets are disproportionately impacted by the reporting and enforcement of animal control laws. According to a study by Seattle University, “up to 90 percent of people experiencing homelessness report being harassed or witnessing harassment by the police for owning a pet.” Callers from the general public cite concerns for animal safety or potential animal abuse as they alert law enforcement or animal control of people who keep pets while experiencing homelessness.
Given these pain points, why would someone experiencing homelessness take on the burden of pet ownership? In addition to the list of pain points that this population experiences, pet ownership provides an equally long list of benefits which may outweigh the challenges associated with keeping a pet. Some of these benefits include:
Relationship: For many people experiencing homelessness, their dog is the only source of unconditional love that they’ve ever received. How could someone give up their companion, who unconditionally stays by their side when so many others in their life have left?
Responsibility: Pets offer a sense of responsibility and purpose for people experiencing homelessness, and can positively influence the decisions these individuals make. For example, a person struggling with drug addiction may consider the consequences of their addiction on their pet, and may subsequently make choices that reduce those consequences (such as avoiding drugs). Similarly, someone experiencing homelessness may aspire to find housing for the benefit of their pet.
Animals and Homelessness
Benefits of animal companionship while experiencing homelessness include:
Stable source of emotional support
Sense of responsibility
Security
Inability to Access Shelter: According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 1 in 5 people experiencing homelessness don’t accept shelter because their pet can’t join them. Many congregate shelters prohibit pets, making it incredibly challenging for people experiencing homelessness with a pet to find a warm place to sleep at night.
According to a study by Seattle University’s School of Law, “no-pet policies perpetuate homelessness by excluding and limiting access to necessary housing, shelter, and services.” Pallet’s personal shelters, on the other hand, provide their residents with a private space where they can reside with their pets. In some locations, Pallet shelter communities even have a dog run for residents and their pets.
Difficulty Accessing Services: If someone facing homelessness is able to find a pet-friendly congregate shelter, what options do they have for pet care while they access the services they need to reintegrate into society? How can someone access job training, mental health services, and other needs without a safe place to leave their pet?
Unfortunately, their options are few, creating another barrier between their current situation and reintegration into society and permanent housing.
Strain on Limited Resources: For people who can sometimes barely find food for themselves, pets add an additional challenge as their owners search for funds or donations to acquire pet food.
Public and Law Enforcement Criticism: People experiencing homelessness who keep pets are disproportionately impacted by the reporting and enforcement of animal control laws. According to a study by Seattle University, “up to 90 percent of people experiencing homelessness report being harassed or witnessing harassment by the police for owning a pet.” Callers from the general public cite concerns for animal safety or potential animal abuse as they alert law enforcement or animal control of people who keep pets while experiencing homelessness.
Given these pain points, why would someone experiencing homelessness take on the burden of pet ownership? In addition to the list of pain points that this population experiences, pet ownership provides an equally long list of benefits which may outweigh the challenges associated with keeping a pet. Some of these benefits include:
Relationship: For many people experiencing homelessness, their dog is the only source of unconditional love that they’ve ever received. How could someone give up their companion, who unconditionally stays by their side when so many others in their life have left?
Social Interaction: Pets can act as social bridges, drawing positive attention and making interactions with others more approachable. This can be especially valuable for people experiencing homelessness, as it opens opportunities for conversations and empathy from passersby or volunteers.
Responsibility: Pets offer a sense of responsibility and purpose for people experiencing homelessness, and can positively influence the decisions these individuals make. For example, a person struggling with drug addiction may consider the consequences of their addiction on their pet, and may subsequently make choices that reduce those consequences (such as avoiding drugs). Similarly, someone experiencing homelessness may aspire to find housing for the benefit of their pet.
Protection and Alertness: Animals, especially dogs, are natural protectors and alert their owners to any potential danger nearby. For someone living on the streets, a dog’s bark can serve as a warning against threats, such as theft or unwanted approach. This protective companionship can help them feel safer in unpredictable environments.
Reasons for surrender chart - https://laascharts.lacontroller.app/#reasons-surr
What IS working well?
Overall resources for unhoused people with pets are currently limited, especially on the public side, but there are a few programs available to help.
Preface: I’m going to give an overview of the resources that exist for unhoused individuals with pets, but want to first emphasize that they are not without their limitations and restrictions or barriers, which Emily will cover in the next section.
What is working well?
LAHSA RESOURCES
LAHSA has some pet-friendly programs and policies, particularly in the realm of Emergency Shelter and Interim Housing
Nonprofit organizations provide the bulk of resources, mostly in the form of pet and animal care
State, county and city governments have some limited programs to help pet owners experiencing homelessness
We’ve broken down the available support into three categories:
LAHSA - pet-friendly programs and policies, especially in terms of Emergency Shelter and Interim Housing
State, county and city government - limited programs to help pet owners experiencing homelessness
Nonprofit organizations - bulk of resources, mostly in the form of pet and animal care
Winter Shelter Program
Pets and Emotional Support Animals welcome at shelters, open 24/7 to 18+ unhoused people and animals
Reference: LAHSA Winter Shelter Program
LAHSA Resources
Winter Shelter Program
Annual program starting November 1, running through March 2025
Adult people experiencing homelessness and their animals are welcome at shelters
More info can be found on the LAHSA website
LAHSA Resources
Emergency Response Program
Scope of Required Services
Interim Housing Service Providers must:
NOT screen out or deny participants due to lack of documentation for their Service/Emotional Support Animal
accept participants with pets, Service/Emotional Support Animals
Reference: LAHSA Emergency Response Program
Emergency Response Program
LAHSA’s Scope of Required Services (SRS) specifies that all Interim Housing providers:
cannot turn people away for lack of documentation regarding their service or emotional support animal
are required to accept participants with pets, service and emotional support animals
all related policies have to be compliant with local, state, and federal laws
LAHSA Resources
Service Animal Accommodation Policy
LAHSA-funded providers must:
comply with State and Federal laws by ensuring persons with disabilities have equal access to participate in programs and services
be committed to having policies, procedures, and practices to permit the use of service animals by clients with disabilities
Reference: Service Animal Accommodation Policy
Service Animal Accommodation Policy
*Requires documented disability*
All providers that receiving funding from LAHSA:
have to comply with equal access laws pertaining to persons with disabilities
are required to have policies, procedures, and practices to allow clients with disabilities to use service animals
LAHSA Resources
Welcome Navigation Center
Interim Housing pilot program to prepare people for Permanent Housing within 30 days
Animals are welcome and a pet relief area is provided
Reference: Welcome Navigation Center
Welcome Navigation Center
This isn’t an animal-specific service, but LAHSA’s Welcome Navigation Center,
which is an Interim Housing pilot program that prepares people or Permanent Housing,
welcomes animals and provides a pet relief area
Public Resources
State Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program
Allows homeless shelters to reduce barriers for those individuals experiencing homelessness with their pets
By making accommodations for pets, brings individuals into shelters who otherwise would not receive services and shelter
$1 million allocated to the program to continue to provide shelter, food, and basic vet services for pets of people experiencing homelessness
Reference: Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program
Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program
In terms of public resources, there is very little in the way of services and programs for houseless individuals and their pets provided by the government, but I’ll go over the ones we found
At the State level, there is a Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program
Helps shelters reduce barriers for people experiencing homelessness with their pets
Accommodating pets brings people inside who otherwise wouldn’t receive services or shelter
In 2022, $1 million was allocated to the program to continue providing shelter, food, and basic vet care for pets of unhoused people
Eligible Activities
Eligible uses of these funds include the provision of shelter, pet food and supplies, and basic vet services for pets owned by individuals experiencing homelessness, along with staffing and liability insurance related to providing those services.
Shelters must still commit to meeting the following conditions:
Have rules of conduct and responsibility regarding pets and their owners;
Provide shelter for pets, such as crates or kennels either near bedding areas or in separate areas or have a similar setup that ensures the safety and well-being of pets and humans;
Provide food for the pets of individuals in homeless shelters; and
Offer the services of a veterinarian, including, but not limited to, spaying and neutering services, vaccination, and behavioral support.
Public Resources
County
Keeping Pets and Families Together
LA County Animal Care Foundation
Care voucher program
Supported by private donations/grants provides up to $300 in vet expenses
Unaffordable care is a common reason why people surrender pets
Reference: Keeping Pets and Families Together
Keeping Pets and Families Together
At the County level, there is one initiative called Keeping Pets and Families Together, a care voucher program administered by the LA County Animal Care Foundation supported by private donations and grants that provides up to $300 in vet expenses which is important because unaffordable care is a common reason why people surrender pets
Note: Even though this program is through the county, it’s administered by a nonprofit and privately funded, so not a fully public resource
Public Resources
City
Pet Food Pantry
LA Animal Services community resource
Assists low-income families and individuals experiencing financial hardship who need help feeding their animal companions
At each event, one-gallon bag of dog or cat food per pet is given to participants
Reference: Pet Food Pantry
Pet Food Pantry
At the City level, the Pet Food Pantry
is an LA Animal Services community resource to assist low-income families and individuals
experiencing financial hardship who need help feeding their animal companions.
At each event, one-gallon bag of dog or cat food per pet is given to participants
Reference: Organization Websites
Nonprofit Resources
Organizations and Programs
Angel Hanz for the Homeless
betterTogether Forever
Unsheltered People with Pets
(UPP) Program
Shelter Prevention Program
Community Events
Downtown Dog Rescue
HEART LA
LA on Cloud 9
Fix’n Fidos
K9 Connection
Michaelson Found Animals
Better Neighborhood Project
Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
Pals N Pets
Pets For Life
Project Street Vet
Dr. Kwane Stewart
Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot
Pet Food Pantry
The Street Dog Coalition
As mentioned earlier, the bulk of resources available for houseless individuals and their animals are provided by nonprofit organizations.
This is just a list of the major ones as an overview. We’ve split them up into three categories based on the types of services offered.
These are just the logos of the main nonprofits providing services
Nonprofit Resources: Services – Holistic Support
Covers a wide range of services ranging from pet wellness to unhoused landlord assistance, to basic necessities like toiletries and pet food
betterTogether Forever
Unsheltered People with
Pets(UPP) Program
Shelter Prevention Program
Community Engagement
LA on Cloud 9
Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot
Reference: Organization Websites
The first category is the broadest one. These organizations provide more holistic support, covering services from pet wellness to landlord assistance, to basic pet necessities
betterTogether Forever - Helps pet parents in LA with incomes below the poverty line access services to help them stay together with the pets they love, and to keep those pets safe, healthy, happy, off the streets, and out of animal shelters
Unsheltered People with Pets (UPP) Program - Provides support to unhoused and transitionally housed pet parents
Some services provided: spay/neuter | wellness | vaccinations | assistance with vet care | pet food | pet supplies | Emotional Support Animal assessment (ESA) | landlord issue assistance | licensing | owner redemption fees to release a pet from shelter | humane euthanasia
Shelter Prevention Program - Gives people with limited income, senior citizens, and pet parents experiencing homelessness options other than surrendering their pets, and keeps those pets at home where they belong
Partnerships with local vets, animal welfare organizations and human service agencies to build a local network of resources/referrals as a safety net to keep pets at home and out of shelters
Some services provided: spay/neuter |wellness | vaccinations | access to vet care | pet food | pet supplies | Emotional Support Animal assessment (ESA) | landlord issue assistance | fence repair | dog houses | licensing | owner redemption fees to release a pet from shelter | humane euthanasia
Community Engagement - Hosts pet wellness clinics and works closely with local organization’s pet event days providing support, information and options to those with limited income
Support, information, resources and referrals connecting people with pets to free and/or low-cost options
Onsite pop-up pet wellness clinics at various partnering locations to address needs within vulnerable communities and to keep pets healthy with their families when they need each other most
Pet food/supplies (treats, collars, leashes), vet care (vaccines, meds, deworming, antibiotics, nail trims)
Other services: spay/neuter vouchers, Emotional Support Animal assessments/certifications
LA on Cloud 9 - Provides basic essentials and resources to the homeless community and their animals
Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot - “Oasis on Skid Row,” provides a 24/7 public place for people to get their basic needs met with dignity where everyone is always welcome, including their pets, and where they can get pet supplies
Nonprofit Resources: Services – Healthcare/Training
Mostly focused, but not solely dedicated to, pet health, grooming, and educational services
Angel Hanz for the Homeless
Fix’n Fidos
K9 Connection
Pals N Pets
Pets For Life
Project Street Vet (Dr. Kwane Stewart)
The Street Dog Coalition
Reference: Organization Websites, Project Street Vet YouTube Channel
The second category is more focused on pet health, grooming, and educational services, though these organizations also provide other services
Angel Hanz for the Homeless - Emergency medical care, emergency grooming, monthly gatherings, resource guide
Fix’n Fidos - Provides assistance with pet food, help with small vet bills and vaccines, and help finding spay and neuter services for low-income SoCal residents
K9 Connection - (Housing Works) Brings shelter dogs and teens together to learn from each other and create bonds
Pals N Pets - Dedicated to supporting homeless pet owners and their pets
Pets For Life - Takes an approach to addressing the inequity in and lack of access to pet resources people experience in underserved communities through door-to-door community outreach and pet owner support services
Project Street Vet - Dr. Kwane Stewart - Founded by Dr. Kwane Stewart, provides free veterinary care, treatment, and support to pets of individuals experiencing homelessness, and a Pet Food Pantry at the Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot
CNN Hero of the Year Award in 2023
[Play video if time permits - can start at 0:30 if need be]
The Street Dog Coalition - Provides free medical care and related services to pets of unsheltered people
Nonprofit Resources: Services – Pet Housing/Shelter Rescue
Focused mostly on keeping pets in their homes, out of shelters, or finding them new suitable foster homes or full-time families
Downtown Dog Rescue
HEART LA
Michaelson Found Animals
Better Neighborhood Project
Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
Reference: Organization Websites
The third and last category is focused more on keeping pets in their homes, out of shelters, or finding them new foster homes or forever families
Downtown Dog Rescue - Believes in second chances for both dogs and people, rescuing dogs and providing services for low income pet owners in underserved communities in Los Angeles County
HEART LA - Provides high-quality, free legal representation and policy advocacy to help keep people and their pets together
Michaelson Found Animals
Better Neighborhood Project
Delivers pet food and wellness services to communities most in need, aiming to keep pets with their families
Partners with human service organizations to develop collaborative programs that support underserved communities and their pets
Helps make emergency shelters pet-inclusive, add pet food and supply distributions to existing food pantries, offer low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics in the communities with the most need
Pet Wellness Day at LA County Skid Row Community ReFresh Spot (2023)
Provided free human and pet wellness services, grooming, microchip registration, animal companion backpacks, human and pet food, and other educational resources and offerings to pet owners (Dr. Kwane was there too!)
Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative
Provides research, resources and actionable tools to help housing providers take advantage of creating pet-inclusive opportunities in ways that benefit everyone
Offers housing resources for pet owners to help them be a vital part of the pet-inclusive housing community
Reference: Dr. Kwane Stewart’s Instagram @drkwane
“She’s my everything and, you know, I’ve been going through a few phases with this homeless thing, and a transitional home that I had stayed at for 30 days, they wouldn’t allow pets. A friend of mine was holding her and I was seeing her every day, so she’s my life right now you know, and for the last 12 years, she’s been my life. I don’t know what it would be like if I didn’t have her.” — Jamal (Daisy’s dad)
What is
NOT
working well?
“There are a number of our clients who have been on the streets for a long time and folks may say, ‘why don't they choose to go in the shelter?’ but they really face a Hobson's choice when we say to them, ‘let go of that animal if you want some housing.’”
— James Gilliam, Directing Attorney, Lawyers Preventing and Ending Homelessness
Los Angeles Animal Services: Pet-Friendly Housing
Limited pet-friendly affordable units in Los Angeles County
While there is pet-friendly housing available in Los Angeles County, affordable options are limited and often come with restrictions.
Reference: Pet-Friendly Housing List
Los Angeles Animal Services
Landlord Advantages
Creating inclusive pet policy generates great business. Almost 50% of renters in the U.S. have a companion animal.
Tenants are more likely to stay in one place longer when they have a companion animal.
Quality life of tenants improves when landlords allow companion animals.
Reference: Pet-Friendly Housing Landlord Advantages
Lack of funding and partnership by and between County, City and LAHSA to assist unhoused owners and animal companions
Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control
Los Angeles County Animal Care provides important services, but there are specific challenges that can impact unhoused individuals with animals:
Insufficient Outreach and Accessibility
Inconsistent Service Availability
Capacity Issues in Pet-Friendly Shelters
Reference: Los Angeles County Animal Care Services
Los Angeles County Animal Care provides important services, but there are specific challenges that can impact unhoused individuals with pets:
Limited Scope of Services: While Los Angeles County offers pet wellness and support services, these are often limited in scope. Unhoused individuals may struggle to access comprehensive care such as long-term medical treatment or specialized services that go beyond basic needs.
Insufficient Outreach and Accessibility: The reach of mobile units or service clinics may not cover all areas where unhoused individuals reside, especially in more remote or transient encampments. This limits the availability of care and support for pet owners who cannot travel far to access these resources.
Resource Constraints: High demand and limited funding mean that services such as free pet clinics or food distribution can quickly run out of supplies. This leaves many pet owners without the necessary support and can contribute to poor health outcomes for pets.
Inconsistent Service Availability: The frequency of services, such as pop-up clinics or food distribution events, may not be regular or predictable. This inconsistency makes it difficult for unhoused individuals to plan for or rely on these services for ongoing pet care.
Administrative Barriers: Accessing some services may involve paperwork, registration, or other administrative steps that can be difficult for individuals without stable addresses or internet access. This adds a layer of complexity to receiving support from Los Angeles County Animal Care.
Capacity Issues in Pet-Friendly Shelters: While some programs are designed to support temporary housing for pets, space is often limited. This can mean that pet owners are turned away or must choose between finding shelter for themselves and ensuring their pet's safety.
Health and Behavior Assessments: Pets may need to meet certain health and behavior standards to qualify for certain services or housing programs. Without consistent access to veterinary care or training resources, pets may fall short of these requirements, posing a challenge for owners seeking assistance.
Lack of Long-Term Solutions: While Los Angeles County Animal Care can provide temporary relief, such as vaccinations or emergency care, long-term pet care needs, like chronic condition management, are harder to meet. This can contribute to ongoing struggles for pet owners trying to maintain the health of their animals while living unhoused.
Stigmatization and Judgment: There can be a stigma attached to unhoused individuals seeking help for their pets. This judgment may be implicit in interactions with service providers or in the overall system of care, discouraging some people from using available services.
Policy Limitations: County policies may restrict certain services to only specific groups or require eligibility criteria that some unhoused individuals cannot meet. This can exclude people from receiving the full range of care for their pets.
These challenges pose significant obstacles for unhoused individuals with pets, making it difficult for them to access the consistent and comprehensive support needed to care for their animals and transition to permanent housing. Addressing these barriers requires improved outreach, expanded services, and policy changes that prioritize the needs of both pets and their owners.
County of Los Angeles
While continuous animal services and care are available for unhoused pet owners, the County of Los Angeles made only minimal efforts in Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to address needs such as pet-friendly shelters, food, and veterinary care.
Continuous support services programs include Keeping Pets and Families Together.
Reference: Keeping Pets and Families Together
LA County Animal Care Foundation
Care voucher program
Supported by private donations/grants provides up to $300 in vet expenses
Unaffordable care is the most common reason why people surrender pets
City of Los Angeles
Per City of Los Angeles Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget, the allocated funding did not meet the need of $56M needed to cover Los Angeles Animal Services’ proposed budget. It is unclear if any funding would go towards assisting unhoused pet owners.
Reference: City of Los Angeles Budget, FY 2023-2024 Page 46
Reference: City of Los Angeles Budget, FY 2023-2024 Page 46
Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority
In Fiscal Year 2023-2024, LAHSA made minimal efforts to address the needs of unhoused individuals and their pets, including the provision of pet-friendly shelters, food, and veterinary care.
The last significant grants aimed at this crisis were issued in 2017, when LAHSA allocated up to $15,000 to crisis and bridge housing providers to support participants with companion animals.
Recommendations
Animal Ambassadors at Transitional, Interim and Permanent Housing to assist tenants with animal needs
1
Creator: Damian Dovarganes | Credit: AP
Creator: Kim Cunningham | Credit: Welcome to the Jungle
Empowerment of workers in the homelessness sector to write ESA/ADA letters for participants with companion animals
2
Creator: Andrea Brant, LMHC | Credit: ESA Doctors
Construction of more pet-friendly affordable housing in Los Angeles County
3
Credit: Wimmer Communities
Credit: Antietam Humane Society
Citations and Resources
City of Los Angeles Budget: https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/lacontroller-2b7de.appspot.com/o/budgets%2F2023-24%20Adopted%20Budget%20Compiled%20-%20Final%20Electronic%20Version.pdf?alt=media&token=a62355b8-4867-4d8c-a452-ce0c61d173fa
California Department of Housing and Community Development Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) Program:
https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-and-funding/programs-active/pet-assistance-and-support-program
LAHSA Animal Accommodation Policy: https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=1959-lahsa-service-animal-accommodation-policy.pdf
LAHSA Winter Shelter SRS:
https://www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter
https://www.lahsa.org/documents?id=7938-scope-required-services-srs-fy-24-25-emergency-response-program-appendixes-final
Citations and Resources
City of Los Angeles Transparency Report: https://controller-website-5mli35gg5a-uw.a.run.app/laas_transparency_report.pdf
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