'homeless' pets - a question

[kate & kobi]

This may be a sensitive topic, I don't know, but I've been thinking a lot about this lately.

I live in a city where there are a lot of homeless/street people and there are a number of them, seems like teenagers mostly, who have pets. The dogs, cats and pet rats (at least one) hang out with them on the street all day while they are panhandling, and the animals all look beaten down, just like the people they are with... I feel two ways about it - on the one hand, these are people who have it really tough, and to have a companion is pretty nice so I don't begrudge them their pets. On the other hand, they don't seem to be taking care of themselves very well, so how could they take care of one or more pets, too, if they don't have enough money to feed themselves?

But anyway I was wondering what you all thought about that, especially those of you in rescue - are there programs out there to help "homeless" pets?

[Tina B and crew]

kate....I know there are programs for homeless animals...but I'm not aware of any for pets of the homeless. On one had I think it would be a good idea...and on the other hand it would probably get much flack because we should be taking care of the homeless humans before we take care of their pets. I don't know...I certainly wouldn't want to deny a homeless person the only companionship they might have...my heart goes out to both the fourfooted and two footed homeless ones

[D~]

It's a really difficult situation for all involved and one that leaves you feeling very torn. Though I would not want to deprive someone either I would lean towards programs to get them both off the streets and if that is not possible (which at this point in time it is not sadly in many cases) then to having the animals removed and placed elsewhere (no-kill, foster, etc.). esp. if it was apparent the particular animal was not in good health or being properly cared for or in a dangerous situation.

I would feel that way about anyone, homeless or not who could not properly care for an animal who cannot make it's own choices or reach out for help on it's own. While that may seem a bit harsh many homeless situations are compounded by personal issues where pets would be best not to be tagging along. And there is the matter of pets on the streets in general (w/o vaccinations, health care, spay/neutering much less food) which is a major and very serious problem in and of itself.

I am not aware of any such programs that go along with assisting human homeless programs though I certainly think some are needed ....something somehow even to just to deal with the gap of investigating the situations further (are the pets licensed if dogs, are they vaccinated, fixed, etc). and feeding as possible initially perhaps along with minor human health and vet care when both are involved in the situation (where or if feasible) then dealing with what is best for the human and pet in that particular circumstance from there...though I would assume in the majority of cases if permanent intervention were to occur the pet might have to be removed from the situation.

It's a monumental question and undertaking, one that deserves the proper attention and one most people may not even be aware of/