| Policy |
Increased supply of pet-friendly emergency shelters to ensure that a minimum of 10% of emergency shelter beds are accessible to people with pets Requirements that requests for proposals for low-barrier emergency shelters explicitly include pet access requirements Removal of ‘no pets’ policies in rental market housing and enforcement of laws that prevent discrimination in housing on the basis of pet ownership Limits on security deposit charges to one month’s rent and bans on any additional non-service charges, such as non-refundable pet-related fees Widespread implementation of a Housing First approach Inclusion of veterinary medicine in specialized health services for people experiencing homelessness to provide basic pet care
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| Public |
Development of interventions to dispel myths associated with pet ownership and homelessness Development of interventions to destigmatize panhandling by people experiencing homelessness, including pet owners
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| Service |
Shared Actions for All Service Providers
Connection to community services that are accessible to pet owners experiencing homelessness, including veterinary care Awareness of the harm-to-self risks, such as suicidal ideation and increased substance use, associated with pet loss Use of a strengths-based approach to identify and leverage capacities developed from pet ownership in treatment and care Advocacy for the diverse needs of pet owners experiencing homelessness, including with other service providers and in systems change
Unique Actions for Specific Service Providers
Provision of education and harm reduction strategies to pet owners on environmental tobacco smoke exposure by animals (veterinarians and human health service providers) Provision of letters documenting animals as emotional support animals (mental health service providers)
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