It’s heartbreaking to see dogs living with rough sleepers (although arguably some might say at times, they have a better life than dogs shut at home all day as most are loved deeply, with most homeless people spending their first benefits on dog food – homeless people do qualify for benefits, so it’s important to ensure they are getting them). Also read of innovative ideas to help homeless people.
Councils and shelters can download a free SWEP toolkit to create a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol to set up accommodation for winter, for people (and dogs) sleeping rough.
Dogs on the Streets offers free vet care and always needs volunteers (help by purchasing Christmas cards from Dotty Dog Art). Similar organisations are StreetVet (also fosters dogs if guardians need to visit hospital) and Street Paws (runs first aid training for hostels).
Dog’s Trust Hope Project offers free vet care with participating vets and support to find dog-friendly hostels (it also helps people who are sofa-surfing or at risk of eviction).
WE Care Worldwide (Sri Lanka) helps street dogs (more like wild dogs) with vaccinations, vet treatment and community education – buy cotton t-shirts to support them. In Delhi, locals have created a waterproof dog bed for street dogs that combines recycled dog food bags with jute cover and reflective piping, for safety.