Keeping people and their pets together

The Salvation Army in Wales and Dogs Trust have teamed up to make sure no-one experiencing homelessness has to choose between a safe place to stay and the pet they love. 

For those navigating life without stable accommodation a dog is far more than a companion, it offers stability, protection and emotional support. Dogs Trust is now working with The Salvation Army across Wales to welcome dogs safely and responsibly into homeless accommodation, called Lifehouses, so that residents will not be separated from their pets. 

Rodrick Alexander, 18, from Cardiff experienced homelessness due to an unstable homelife. He was worried he wouldn’t be able to take his pet dog, Juno, with him into Ty Diogel, The Salvation Army Lifehouse for young people in the city.  

Roderick said: 

“The Salvation Army teaming up with the Dog’s Trust has been incredible. Dogs Trust has helped with everything from starter packs to thoughtful gifts for Juno, which has taken a huge weight off my mind. Knowing my dog is truly welcome here has been such a relief. Juno got me through the hardest time of my life, and having this support means we can both feel safe and cared for.” 

Catherine Docherty, the Area Operations Manager for Wales Homelessness Services for The Salvation Army says the collaboration has already made a difference: 

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside the Dogs Trust with its ‘Together Through Homelessness’ endorsement scheme. The scheme helps us make sure every individual who lives with us can be confident that our Lifehouses are pet-friendly and welcoming spaces. We can now give our clients the support they need to take greater care of their pet now and in the future.” 

Abigail Owens, Senior Regional Engagement Officer at Dogs Trust, praised the commitment shown by Salvation Army teams across Wales. 

“The Salvation Army services I visited throughout the endorsement process offer safe, welcoming spaces where people and their dogs can feel at home. The compassionate and psychologically informed approach seen at their Lifehouses, embodies the values of ‘Together Through Homelessness’. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved through this collaboration.” 

• The Salvation Army and Dogs Trust have put in place a simple policy and agreement for dog owners who are experiencing homelessness to use in homeless accommodation, called Lifehouses. 

• Starter packs for dog owners experiencing homelessness provided by The Salvation Army and Dog’s Trust including collars, leads, beds and bowls as well as a Christmas gift for the dogs. 

• People who are homeless can access free vet care, including vaccinations, neutering, routine treatments and help with most urgent health needs as part of the partnership between The Salvation Army and Dog’s Trust. 

• Residents with dogs living in homeless accommodation provided by The Salvation Army can get direct help from specialist support teams if they need advice on training or their dog’s behaviour. 

Services provided by The Salvation Army recognise the importance of the relationships people have with their dogs. Wherever possible, staff will seek to accommodate people with their pets. Because each site is different, there may be limits on the number of dogs at a location and owners may be asked to follow local criteria, for example, ensuring dogs are not left unattended. 

For more information members of the public should contact their nearest site: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/map-page.