What happens with dogs and cats which are living with homeless? Could that people face the costs and responsibility about them? As a matter of fact, there are some people who have lost their home and can’t be relocated in a social home or not even go to a hospital if necessary because they don’t want to leave their pets in a shelter.
In London there are people who spend their time volunteering at the streets, and their task consists on taking care of the homeless’ pets. They are Vets, dog trainers, groomers, etc.
The mission is not easy, not only because they must apply for lots of legal permissions, but also because the people must trust them, since some homeless may think they want to take their pets away from them.
Obviously, these volunteers accept donations and every help is welcome. You can find some extra info at the website www.dogsonthestreets.org
What about Spain?
In some big cities such as Barcelona or Zaragoza, homeless with pets can get some help from FAADA#mejores amigos. FAADA means “Foundation for Advice and Action in the Defence of Animals”. This is an association which believes pets mustn’t be removed from their families. For making this possible, they have two options:
-they can foster the pets for a while or
-when possible, pet and owner are relocated in special social homes which admit dogs, or even in public hostels.
In addition, they guarantee the animals are updated of every legal requirement (microchipping and vaccinations).
In many cases, pets are the only companion and the best friends for these people, and it’s really important for both person and animal, to remain together. Actually, dogs and cats which live with the homeless, are never alone, and they know their friends prefer to live at the street with them than in a hotel without them.
Liliana Aldeguer Cerdán col 793
