Pets Of The Homeless has marked its 10th anniversary and more than 40,000 nights of safe shelter for pets belonging to people in crisis.
The charity, which supports those with pets experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic violence, or facing emergencies, is calling for support to continue its work.
Founded in 2015 by Yvonne Hong, who began handing out pet food on Melbourne’s streets, the organisation now provides pet food, veterinary care, emergency boarding and foster care to give people time to recover from crisis without surrendering their animals.
“Forty-thousand nights of safe shelter is not a statistic — it’s 40,000 moments of hope,” Hong said. “It’s 40,000 times a person could rest knowing their pet was loved, safe and waiting to come home.”
Single mother of two, Noeline Sopp, said the charity’s support meant her family could stay together. Her dog, Ghost, was placed in foster care while the family looks for pet-friendly housing.
“I am so happy that I know he is being taken care of. I am not giving up on him because of our circumstances. He is loyal to me, and I will be loyal to him.”
Pets Of The Homeless is now holding its annual Never Tear Them Apart Giving Day, with donations tripled by matching partners until Wednesday 12 November. The organisation aims to raise $450,000 to fund its programs for another year.
“If our community rallies together, we will be able to focus all of our efforts on helping people and pets for an entire year.
“But we can’t do this without your support,” said Hong.
Donations can be made at petsofthehomeless.au/givingdaydoglover.
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