In response to the growing homelessness crisis, an increasing number of shelters across the United States and beyond are expanding their policies to accommodate guests’ pets, recognizing that the ability to stay with animals can be critical for individuals seeking shelter.
Father Joe’s Villages, a homeless shelter and detox facility in downtown San Diego, has housed pets alongside their owners since 2020. The campus, which accommodates around 800 people nightly, offers a range of services including health and dental clinics, child care, and vocational training. Uniquely, it provides dog crates, pet food, and washing stations to support residents with animals. Shelter officials say the inclusion of pets helps prevent people from choosing to remain unsheltered rather than leaving their companions behind. Anthony Lanigan, a current resident who lives with his Rottweiler-Doberman mix, Mr. Beans, highlighted this dynamic. “I wasn’t going to abandon him,” Lanigan said, emphasizing the responsibility he feels toward his dog and his preference to stay on the streets rather than separate from his pet.
Pet-friendly policies are also gaining traction in domestic violence shelters. PALS Place in Brooklyn, operated by Urban Resource Institute, has allowed pets since its 2018 opening. The shelter features facilities such as a small dog run and rooftop garden, providing safe spaces for animals. Brenda Santiago, a PALS Place resident, described how her cats offered emotional support as she escaped an abusive relationship. “Once I had my babies in their carriers and we went into my apartment in PALS Place, I said, ‘OK, I’m ready now,’” she recalled.
Urban Resource Institute, which manages 10 pet-friendly domestic violence shelters in New York City, recently partnered with the city to open Magnolia Gardens in Queens, the organization’s first pet-friendly family shelter. The city initially pledged $250,000 to cover pet-related expenses, but this funding was excluded from Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recent $125 billion budget proposal. A city Department of Social Services representative affirmed ongoing commitments to collaborating with Urban Resource Institute and philanthropic groups to support pet-friendly services at Magnolia Gardens, though the shelter currently does not permit pets.
In Canada, Bethesda House in Bowmanville, Ontario, began welcoming pets in 2015 after recognizing that many women fleeing violence were reluctant to leave their animals behind. Executive Director Riley Spigarelli noted that pets help preserve family unity during crises, but demand still outstrips capacity. In April alone, the shelter turned away 32 women citing pet ownership as a barrier.
Other organizations have similarly developed pet programs to meet growing needs. Cincinnati’s Found House Interfaith Housing Network started its pet accommodation program more than a decade ago and now supports animals for guests in various crisis situations. Noah’s Animal House in Las Vegas operates a standalone residence next to a family shelter, offering dedicated “cuddle rooms” and play spaces for pets to maintain privacy and comfort.
Advocates acknowledge concerns about allergies, damage, and liability often deter shelters from allowing pets, but those with experience say such challenges are manageable. At Bethesda House, pets typically stay in their owners’ rooms, minimizing allergy exposure. Damage is reportedly minimal, limited mostly to minor scratches. Father Joe’s Villages similarly accommodates pets sleeping near owners, with adjustments made if roommates object to animals.
Deacon Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, summarized the approach: “And never mind the animals — sometimes two people can’t get along! So we try to work with them. If it’s a change of room or a unit, we do that. We try to make it so it works for individuals.”
As homelessness remains a pressing issue, the growing inclusion of pets in shelter services reflects a broader recognition that supporting the human-animal bond can be vital to encouraging individuals to seek and maintain safe housing.