Kudos to Allison Schaefers for writing and the Star-Advertiser for publishing a compassionate series on Oahu’s homeless population. As readers, the series allowed us to understand the insurmountable obstacles people face once they have fallen into homelessness ("Special report: Sheltered life," Sept. 7-9).
The Hawaiian Humane Society is increasingly aware of the numbers of people living on the streets with animals. Recent editions published by this newspaper have included photos of homeless people with their dogs. But little has been said about ways to meet the needs for those living on the streets with pets.
Although a census of homeless people and their pets has never been taken on Oahu, the National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that between 5-10 percent of America’s homeless population has a dog or a cat. Anecdotally, we believe the same numbers hold true on this island. Local service providers report that potential clients may refuse to enter transitional housing or accept a permanent home because their animal cannot come with them.
Our staff occasionally is asked: "Why are the homeless allowed to have pets? Can’t you just take their animals away from them?" The answer is simple: We seek ways to support the human-animal bond for all individuals and do not separate animals from their owners unless the welfare of the animal is endangered.
We also believe that whether you are homeless or not, pets give people a reason to wake up every day. We have found that the majority of pets owned by people who are homeless are well cared for and loved. For so many people who have so few resources and support, pets provide unconditional love and can be their only source of comfort and companionship. Asking someone to relinquish his or her animal creates a barrier to entering a safe and stable living situation.
Our organization reviews our policies, programs and practices regularly to ensure we are providing the best support to all of our clients, human and animal. Many of our education and field service programs have transitioned to provide those living on our streets and beaches with help for their pets. Our humane investigators have become educators and advisers walking the homeless camps answering questions about pet care.
Rarely do they see cases of animal abuse. In addition, about 20 percent of the beneficiaries who took advantage of our pet food bank last year were without homes. We also have distributed collars, scheduled sterilization services and provided wellness checks for the animals.
The Hawaiian Humane Society is pursuing discussions with the city’s Housing First providers and we stand ready to provide education and assistance to create a smooth transition for homeless individuals and families when relocating with their pets.
We encourage our community decision-makers to remember that the bond between people and their pets is very strong, and it is important to keep the two together, for both their sakes. No one should have to choose between a safe place to live and giving up their animal companion.
