By Dr. Bridget Hanley
Brought to you by PrideVMC Gold Partner Merck Animal Health
Having grown up in a Philly suburb and then living in the city for four years during veterinary school, I have long been aware of the large number of homeless individuals living on the streets. For many years, I wanted to find a way to help not only the homeless, but also the pets who serve as their companions.
It wasn’t until I met Dr. Jon Geller at an AVMA sponsored Street Dog clinic in Washington, D.C., that I realized this could be a reality, to form a coalition and care for pets of the homeless community. Another veterinarian, Dr. Alison Whiter, was already working with The Street Dog Coalition in Philadelphia, and I was fortunate that my career path in veterinary medicine allowed me to join her in building this Street Dog program in Philadelphia.
With approximately 5,700 people considered to be experiencing homelessness in the city, including about 950 who are unsheltered, we know extra support is needed. Not to mention, estimates of the number of homeless individuals who own pets range from 5-20%.
Over the past few years, The Street Dog Coalition program has become even more critical to support veterinary care in Philadelphia, as the pandemic has caused an increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness and affordable housing across the city has become harder to find for pet owners especially.
So, what can be done to help improve the lives on both ends of the leash?
As part of my volunteer work with Merck Animal Health and The Street Dog Coalition, we have teamed up with AVMA Cares and Philly PAWS to host a free street clinic on Sunday, July 31st and provide veterinary care and services for the pets of homeless individuals. The pop-up clinic is organized by our Philly Street Dog Coalition team, Dr. Jon Geller, the AVMA and many volunteers to offer free physical exams, vaccinations, parasite control, and spay/neuter vouchers to pet owners who could not afford these crucial veterinary services otherwise.
As a seasoned volunteer with The Street Dog Coalition for just over three years, here are some tips for my fellow veterinarian professionals and animal lovers who want to get involved by caring for pets in their local community:
- Scope out a safe spot where pet care is most needed in your area
In Philadelphia, one challenge we’ve seen has been making sure we are able to get veterinary care to the pets of homeless individuals. In many U.S. cities, pets are not allowed on public transportation so it’s important to plan the clinic or event in a central area that is safe and easy to get to. On July 31st, our clinic will take place at Norris Square Park.
- Trust is key
I’m sure many volunteers can relate to this, but one main challenge we see when working with the pets of homeless individuals is gaining trust of the pet owner you are helping. Unfortunately, many people experiencing homelessness believe we are going to separate them from their pets, when in reality, we want to help maintain the bond they have with their beloved animals. My team found a solution by going to the neighborhoods we are serving the weekend prior with sandwiches, pet treats and hygiene kits, along with information about the upcoming free vet clinic. This not only helps us foster trust between the homeless, but it also gets the word out about our clinic in advance.
- Leverage local connections
There’s power in numbers! It always helps to establish a relationship with local non-profit organizations and volunteer groups, like Philly Paws, to maximize awareness and participation in your area. These organizations already have knowledge of the underserved areas of your community and are a great partner for securing trust and local resources.
In general, research has shown that having pets is proven to have multiple benefits for pet owners, including stress relief and lower blood pressure. And for people experiencing homelessness, pets can be especially helpful by providing protection and unconditional love. They are also one of the best emotional support resources for someone who might be suffering from mental illness or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The work we are doing with The Street Dog Coalition is so important to help care for the pets of people experiencing homelessness, so they can continue to provide companionship and security to their owners who love them so much. Pets love us unconditionally regardless of the tough situations in life. As a veterinarian, dog mom and animal lover myself, I know how important it is for every pet owner to have peace of mind in knowing their fur baby is safe and healthy.
