MORE homeless people than ever are able to keep their pets thanks to Dogs Trust.
The charity, which has a re-homing centre in Kenilworth, has supported the homeless in caring for their dogss for more than 20 years.
Through their ‘Hope Project’ they have made more than 150 hostels across the UK ‘dog friendly’ and have funded veterinary treatment for some 1,700 pups. They also offer a Christmas service which sees pet supplies given to owners.
With nearly 70 per cent of all homeless people saying they have spent nights on the street because they couldn’t find accommodation with their pet, the trust hope even more hostels will open their doors to dogs.
And although much homeless accommodation in Solihull is not yet welcoming four-legged friends, the charity hopes it will be something they can achieve in future.
Project manager Clare Kivlehan said: “This service is completely unique in that it is the only UK wide project set up specifically to help homeless people and their dogs. With 80 per cent of homeless people saying that their dog is their best friend, we are proud to have provided essential and life-saving veterinary care to so many dogs over the past 20 years.
“But with two thirds of homeless dog owners being asked to give up their dogs in order to find accommodation we know there is still much to be done and we hope our services continue to help as many homeless people and their dogs as possible over the next 20 years.”
