Removing barriers to shelter: Partnership provides temporary care and wellness services for guests’ pets during times of crisis

Losing a home or having to move suddenly is stressful and uncertain for any family. Many also worry about what will happen to their pets.

To address this issue, St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge (SVDPBR) and the Companion Animal Alliance (CAA) are working together. They have launched a new program to give families emergency shelter and support when they need it most. Through CAA's Safety Net Program, pet owners in crisis can have their animals placed in temporary foster care for up to 90 days.

This partnership helps families experiencing homelessness get support even if their pets cannot stay in the shelter because they are not service animals. Families can keep their pets without giving them up for good. CAA will also provide basic pet health services, like vaccinations and wellness visits, to keep animals safe while their owners work toward stability.

For many families without a home, pets are more than companions. They offer comfort, emotional support, and a sense of connection during hard times. When families cannot find a safe place for their pets, it becomes even harder for them to get help.

This program shows St. Vincent de Paul's commitment to helping families facing homelessness in many ways. They offer a safe place to stay, case management, help finding housing, job resources, life skills support, and other community services.

“Every family that comes to us is facing a unique situation,” Sunnie Johnson-Lain, president and CEO of SVDPBR, explained. “Our role is to meet people where they are, provide support during a crisis, and help them move toward long-term stability. Sometimes that means providing a bed, sometimes it means helping someone find employment or housing, and sometimes it means ensuring a family’s pet is safe while they take the next step forward.”

This partnership would help in disasters and emergencies when emergency shelters are critical. During hurricanes, severe weather, and other crises, families who have to leave home often have few options for their pets. By working together, SVDPBR and CAA are making it easier for the community to support both people and their animals when help is needed most.

“Companion Animal Alliance is proud to partner with St. Vincent De Paul to provide support to pet owners experiencing housing instability through our Safety Net Program. We believe that pets are family, and no one should have to choose between seeking help and keeping their pet safe. By providing temporary foster placement during times of crisis through our Safety Net Program, we can help remove that barrier while owners work toward stability, knowing their pets are safe and cared for.”

This initiative shows that St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge and Companion Animal Alliance are both committed to building a more supportive community that recognizes the needs of the whole family.

St. Vincent de Paul and the Companion Animal Alliance are working together to create a stronger response to crises. They know that helping families rebuild means caring for every member of the household. These organizations are making it easier for families to get help, improving disaster preparedness, and building a community where families do not have to choose between getting support and keeping their pets safe.

To learn more about SVDPBR, visit www.svdpbr.net.