Unfortunately, many people can become homeless, but for those with pets, the situation is more dire. The nonprofit, Feeding Pets of the Homeless, works tirelessly to provide pet food and free veterinary care nationwide. Through five unique programs, the nonprofit aims to ensure that no one has to face homelessness alone. 

Feeding Pets of the Homeless Programs

Feeding Pets of the Homeless combats homelessness through five programs designed to treat unique circumstances. The programs are: Free Pet Food, Emergency Veterinary Care, Wellness Clinics, Veteran Pet Support, and Pet Crates for Shelters. Each program addresses the unique challenges faced by unhoused pet owners and their loyal companions, who provide emotional support, protection, and a sense of purpose.

The programs are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The network includes over 2,000 veterinary hospitals, over 100 pet food donation sites, and hundreds of volunteers who work to ensure that no pet or person has to face homelessness alone. Since 2008, the nonprofit has facilitated the distribution of over 2.4 million pounds of pet food, medically treated over 31,000 pets, and spent over $6.5 million on veterinary care.

Making a Difference for People and Pets

Genevieve Frederick, founder of Feeding Pets of the Homeless, has been researching homelessness since 2006 with a focus on animal welfare. She started Feeding Pets of the Homeless in 2008, the first national animal organization focused entirely on feeding and providing emergency veterinary care to pets of unhoused individuals. 

Highlighting Frederick’s cause is this statement from the National Alliance to End Homelessness: “Evidence shows that animal companionship is fortifying and contributes to the emotional well-being of people experiencing homelessness, including encouraging owners to obtain sobriety, leave abusive relationships, and avoid incarceration.”

Inspiration to Start a National Nonprofit

Frederick’s inspiration for Feeding Pets of the Homeless came from a fateful trip to New York City in 2006. She and her husband witnessed a homeless man with a beautiful, mixed-breed dog by his side. She had encountered homelessness before, but she could not get the dog out of her mind. Upon returning home, she started researching homelessness and the human/animal bond. 

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 3.5 million people in America were homeless, and between 5%-10% of these individuals had pets. It dawned on her that pets are nonjudgmental and they provide an emotional bond out of loyalty. Since then, she has reported these statistics to the media to shed light on homelessness and the causes of homelessness among veterans. 

Extending Help Into the Future

Frederick and her team have been acknowledged by governmental personnel, other nonprofits, and businesses for their dedicated work for animal welfare. Feeding Pets of the Homeless has several memberships to organizations with similar causes, including the National Coalition for the Homeless and the Co-Sheltering Collaborative.

Feeding Pets of the Homeless proves that with a kind heart and concern for a dire situation, real change is possible. The nonprofit’s numbers speak for themselves, and after almost two decades of serving communities and helping the unhoused, Frederick and her team have made a positive impact.  

Written in partnership with Tom White