How to help homeless people with pets

 

Have you ever come across homeless people with their pets and wanted to help, but didn’t know exactly what to do? Here are some options to lend a helping hand for those in the community and support the pets by their side.

• Start off by saying hello. A homeless person is just like anybody else you would meet, so treat them the same. Ask to pat their animal and get to know them. It is likely that they will enjoy the conversation, especially if it is about their beloved companions.
• Pet food, bottled water and bowls are ideal to offer to people who are homeless with pets. If you want to help on an ongoing basis, it may be useful to keep a good supply of these in resources in your car, along with some towels or blankets so the pet can lay somewhere comfortably.
• Build trust with the person and let them know that you have some food and water that you’d like to give their pet. This will allow them to see that you are open, friendly, and want the best for their animal companion.
• Ask them if there is anything they need in particular. Perhaps there are long-term resources that they want for their pet like a jacket. Or maybe the need is much larger, like the requirement for medical service. Either way, this will make you aware of the biggest needs and perhaps give you something to think about to help on a wider scale.
• Let them know of nearby veterinary care services in the community, especially those that are free, such as the RSPCA’s Living Ruff Program and Pets in the Park.

Of course, these tips are focused on helping the animal. Your kindness is not limited to this, and providing for the homeless person is also encouraged. However, animals depend on people, in any relationship and situation. These are some ways that you can play your part and help the vulnerable people in the community take care of their loyal companions.