Rough sleeping outreach service StreetLink has joined forces with animal welfare charities SteetVet and Street Paws to act as an emergency response team for homeless pet owners.
The StreetLink service allows people to signpost rough sleepers to support services in England and Wales. Since relaunching in October 2023, the online service has helped more than 7,000 people on the streets.
Now, the service is expanding with StreetVet and Street Paws on-hand to support homeless pet owners who self-refer and indicate they have an animal companion.
Pets are often an important source of support and company for people experiencing homelessness, including for Big Issue vendors.
The strong human-animal bond was on show recently when Truro vendor Nick Cuthbert raised more than £1,000 for an animal charity that helped him get new puppy Bracken after the loss of his dog Bryony left him griefing the “love of his life”.
Vicky Sterrett, StreetLink contract manager at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: “We are happy and excited to be working with StreetVet and Street Paws as this allows us not only to support homeless individuals but also help their pets gain access to free veterinary care, a safe place to sleep and other essential needs. This ensures pets are not left behind in the fight against homelessness.”