How we're responding to COVID-19

We've been supporting dog owners experiencing homelessness across the UK for over 25 years. During the first two weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown, our website saw a 154% increase in visits compared to the same period last month [March].

During the coronavirus outbreak, and in accordance with Government guidelines, rough sleepers and other people experiencing homelessness are being moved into hotel and emergency accommodation in order to enable them to self-isolate. However, for many people experiencing homelessness their dog is their best friend and main companion, so they are unlikely to move into alternative accommodation if they can’t take their dog with them as it means giving up their beloved pet. 

People experiencing homelessness, particularly those who are rough sleeping, are thought to be more at risk of contracting the virus, as many have underlying health conditions and would be far less likely to be able to follow Government advice around self-isolation and social distancing.

Although the Government’s ‘Everyone In’ operation will be a lifeline for many, during these turbulent times it’s more important than ever that people and their pets remain together.

Dogs can often provide much needed companionship, comfort and normality throughout what is such a lonely, uncomforting, and abnormal situation. We will be supporting hotels and homelessness services to help make sure this happens.

We've adapted our Welcoming Dogs scheme to provide support on how hotels and other temporary accommodation providers can accept and manage dogs. We've also provided new, additional support to homelessness services by:

• Providing tailored advice to hotels and other housing providers around accepting and managing dogs in the form of telephone or video consultations during the current movement restrictions
• Supplying emergency dog food and essential items like leads, collars and bedding, which can be delivered directly to the hotel or accommodation providers
• Providing free emergency vet care for any dogs should they become unwell, as well as support with transportation to the vet practice
• Offering temporary private boarding for dogs belonging to people experiencing homelessness if they need to access hospital treatment during this time