Working together to create pet-inclusive homelessness support services

What is the StreetVet accredited hostel scheme

A national programme supporting hostels, temporary accommodation providers, and other homelessness support services to welcome people and pets together — in a safe, supported and animal-welfare-led way. 

The scheme provides wraparound support for accredited sites - from staff training through our eLearning platform, to practical pet provisions and veterinary pathways, including 24/7 out-of-hours support for registered StreetVet patients. 

StreetVet supports dogs, cats and other companion animals. 

Why it was started 

Those experiencing homelessness with a pet face an extra barrier when trying to access accommodation: they are often asked to make a choice between having a safe place to sleep and a roof over their head and their pet - a choice no one should ever have to make.

For many having to make this choice is a reality. A choice that many pet owners experiencing homelessness refuse, declining accommodation that they can't access with their beloved companion. This can mean they are then classed as “intentionally homeless”, with no further help offered to find suitable housing. 

StreetVet created this scheme to help break down these barriers - supporting accommodation providers to become pet-inclusive, with the staff training, policies and clinical support needed to do it safely. 

In practice, the scheme helps by: 

• Removing a major barrier so individuals can accept a place to stay without giving up their pet  

• Keeping pets and owners together during safer transitions off the street  

• Supporting stability and wellbeing by protecting the human–animal bond  

• Helping pets stay healthy in a hostel setting with welfare guidance, the provision of daily pet essentials and access to clinical support  

• Reducing refusals and uncertainty by giving staff clear policies, training and support  

Day Centre Scheme

The StreetVet Day Centre Scheme supports homelessness services to become pet-inclusive by providing accredited sites with a tailored package of benefits, including the tools, resources and guidance needed to be able to welcome people and their pets together.

How it helps those experiencing homelessness with a pet

For many people, a pet isn’t “extra” - it’s family. The scheme helps by enabling accredited sites to be warm, welcoming places for pets and owners together. 

Because staff are supported and registered StreetVet patients can access veterinary care and provisions, it reduces stress for both owners and the support teams. People know there is always someone they can turn to for advice, support and clinical guidance. 

In practice, the scheme helps by: 

• Removing a major barrier so people can access the essential services they need with their pet 

• Keeping pets and owners together during safer transitions off the street  

• Supporting stability and wellbeing by protecting the human–animal bond  

• Helping pets stay healthy with welfare guidance and access to clinical support (eligibility criteria applies) 

• Reducing uncertainty by giving staff a pet policy, guidance and support