Observe Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week the 2nd Week in August

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The second week in every August is Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week.

Yes, homeless people have pets. And they need to eat too.

Are you surprised that people who may barely be able to feed themselves would willingly care for an animal that also needs food? And often feed that animal before themselves?

Don’t be.

When you’ve lost just about everything, a pet will still give you unconditional love. Your pet doesn’t care what you look like, what you smell like, or how much money you have.

And homeless people return that devotion. Since many shelters won’t let you bring a pet, homeless people with pets choose to sleep on the streets rather than give up their loyal companions. And yes, fill their pets’ rumbling tummies before their own.

The organization Pets of the Homeless sponsors the week, which is also called Give a Dog a Bone week. The organization collects food all year, but it started the week in 2010.

 

About Pets of the Homeless

Genevieve Frederick started Pets of the Homeless in 2007 when she realized how many homeless people have pets (up to 10% nationally and 24% in some areas).

The first collection site was at her dog’s veterinarians’ office, where people filled a 55-gallon garbage can on the first day.

Today there are more than 400 collection sites in almost every state. And Canada too.

The organization also accepts cash donations, which it uses to fund veterinarian care for pets of the homeless. Participating vets use the money to hold free clinics in areas where homeless people gather.

Since 2008 the organization has collected more than 643 tons (yes tons!) of food and more than $850,000. The money has been used for more food as well as vet care and crates.

The organization’s primary purpose is to help pets of homeless people, but it has also helped out during natural disasters.

Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial, tail-wagging holiday.

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How to Observe Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week

Make a donation! Money and food are equally helpful to keeping pets of the homeless healthy and fed.

See if there’s a food collection site near you.

If there is, bring in some food. They also accept treats, collars and leashes, and flea/tick treatments.

If there’s no site near you, consider starting one. If you own a business, become a site yourself. Or talk to local businesses to find one (or more!) interested in helping.

See if there’s a distributing organization near you. If there is, see if they need volunteers (they probably do!). If not, talk with local rescue groups and shelters to see if they might be interested in helping.

Keep up with Pets of the Homeless on their Facebook page.

Learn a bit more about Pets of the Homeless in this video from 2010. Obviously the stats quoted are a bit outdated, but you can still see how much good this organization does.

 

(Remember, always learn more about a charity before donating. Only you can decide if it uses donations in ways you approve of.)

Will you be celebrating Feeding Pets of the Homeless Week this year?

 

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