StreetVet Highlights Heart Breaking Reality for Homeless Pet Owners This Christmas
National animal charity StreetVet - which specialises in providing free accessible vet care to pets belonging to those experiencing homelessness - have produced a poignant short film entitled ‘The Companion’ which highlights that 93%2 of those experiencing homelessness would rather spend Christmas on the streets than give up their four-legged companions for a room in a hostel.
In the 60-second clip viewers are met with the familiar sighting of a dog donning a Christmas-themed bandana, whilst being fussed by its assumed-owner. From its adoring eyes, a gentle lick of affection and a whiskered mouth gratefully chomping on a treat, the opening scenes - soundtracked by a gentle piano instrumental of the festive classic ‘Jingle Bells’ - starts off heart warming and relatable for many. But as the screen fades to black, viewers are met with the gut-wrenching reality that despite Christmas being a time known for spending with loved-ones, for some it means choosing between warmth and shelter or family. As the camera pans out, the bigger picture is revealed. The dog - a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Bailey who was a StreetVet patient - and his owner Andy Hutchins - who previously experienced homelessness for many years - can be seen enjoying each other's company on a cold park bench, displaying the reality that this isn’t just another cute Christmas scene, this is someone's everyday life.
In the UK, up to 25% of those experiencing homelessness have a pet and for each individual, their circumstances are different. For some their pet has been in their life before housing was an issue. For others, the pet finds them at a time of mutual need. This provides the owner with a reason to live, a sense of purpose, warmth and security, access to non-judgmental love, companionship and much more Yet despite this statistic, fewer than 10%4 of hostels accept pets into their facilities, perpetuating UK homelessness.
In 2020, StreetVet set up the ‘StreetVet Accredited Hostel Scheme’ which currently has 24 accredited sites across the country enrolled, with a further 62 additional hostels going through its onboarding process. The scheme supports temporary accommodation providers to become pet friendly allowing owners with pets into supported, pet-safe accommodation. Benefits of the scheme include staff training on how to work with animals, comprehensive temporary accommodation pet policy, veterinary care, telemedicine platform for virtual vet appointments, emergency boarding to allow those to attend medical appointments as needed, behavioural support, as well as a welcome pack, food, toys and treats.
The Companion aims to raise awareness of this important issue, whilst urging the public to donate to StreetVet’s ‘The Big Give Christmas Challenge’ initiative - a non-profit, charitable website that enables donors to find and support charity projects in their field of interest. Running between midday on Tuesday 28th November to midday on Tuesday 5th December all donations received will be doubled by The Big Give up to £15,000, which will make a significant impact on the work StreetVet do helping those experiencing homelessness with pets get into supported accommodation, alongside its ongoing work with providing free veterinary care for animals on the streets.
Jade Statt, co-founder, clinical director and brand ambassador for StreetVet, commented, “Shortages of pet-friendly housing is an issue which affects thousands of those experiencing homelessness who rely on their pets for warmth, a sense of responsibility and companionship. The prospect of having to leave behind your best friend is an impossible decision, and that’s why it’s critical to spotlight these real-life issues. Our objective is to create long-term change, ensuring that pet-friendly supported accommodation is readily available - regardless of individual circumstances.”
Andy Hutchins, StreetVet advocate for the Human-animal Bond, said, “The relationship between people and their pets is truly unique; Bailey was my saving grace during my time living on the streets and I wouldn’t be here without him. We wouldn’t be where we are today without StreetVet and their amazing volunteers who helped keep Bailey healthy and happy when we needed it most. I would encourage anyone watching the video to donate what they can to StreetVet’s Big Give Christmas Challenge and help this outstanding charity to continue its invaluable community support.”
For more information on the campaign and StreetVet’s ongoing initiatives, please visit here and join the conversation by following StreetVet on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. #PetsInEveryHostel.
