Homeless dogs left out in the cold

The homeless and their pets are being left out in the cold, as only five shelters in Cardiff are able to offer dog friendly accommodation this winter.

For many who are homeless, dogs offer security and friendship. But Lynsey Alston from Dogs Trust UK says “unfortunately only 8% of UK hostels are dog friendly.”

For many sleeping on the streets, a dog really is man’s best friend. [Photograph by Isabel Hutchinson]

As only a handful of Cardiff shelters offer pet friendly rooms and free and subsidised vet care, these services are in high demand. The recession has led to large funding cuts for charities and pet friendly projects at Cardiff shelters.

Corina Churchlow from YMCA HA Cardiff claims that all three of their pet friendly rooms are currently full, meaning that many homeless dog owners will be sleeping rough this winter with their beloved pets.

The Wales Housing Bill 2014 was passed to help meet the housing needs of the homeless and enhance our communities.

The bill seeks to help prevent the difficulties and lack of opportunities faced by those who are homeless.

However, the current economic climate means that in 2015 Cardiff Council are facing budget cuts from the Welsh Government of around £50 million to council services, including cuts to over 70 charity organisations.

Many homeless shelters do not have the resources to offer pet friendly accommodation, as the services are already stretched and overcrowded.

There are those doing all they can to help and Dogs Trust UK Hope Project works exceptionally hard to encourage shelters across the UK, such as YMCA Housing Association Cardiff, to accept dogs.

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Dogs Trust UK also provide an online directory of dog-friendly hostels and contact numbers.

With the Christmas festivities slowly creeping their way onto our calendars, at Christmas Dogs Trust UK also do all they can to ensure homeless pets are cared for.

In 2013 Dogs Trust UK provided Christmas parcels to over 1050 homeless dogs at 140 shelters across the UK. The parcels contained; treats, toys, collars, coats and blankets to bring happiness to homeless dogs and their owners.

charity, Dog owners, dogs, Dogs Trust UK, Funding, funding cuts, Homeless, homelessness, pets, recession, Shelters, sleeping rough, streets, winter, YMCA Cardiff, YMCA Housing Association