Make a difference for your neighbors and their pets
Emergency Pet Care Program's mission is to provide a network of care for the pets of
Cape Cod residents in crisis housing situations
Emergency Pet Care Program's mission is to provide a network of care for the pets of
Cape Cod residents in crisis housing situations
In 2022 the total number of homeless people on Cape Cod and the Islands was 397. This was the highest number in eight years. As of January 2023, the number then rose to 427. This included 330 adults and 97 children. There were also 55 families living in shelters and 90 people living in transitional housing.
For many, their pets are often the only stable, loving and genuine companionship, and permanently surrendering them because facilities such as shelters, transitional housing or motels will not allow their best friends to join them can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many are forced to make that decision with just a moment's notice. This can be traumatic, and as a result, many choose to live outside or in cars with their pets. For those who agree to give their pets up, the animals often end up in a shelter where there can be limited space and resources. This cycle also puts more stress on our shelters and rescues which are already overburdened with unwanted pets.
There is currently no official emergency program in place on Cape Cod, Each time it is an urgent and chaotic process to find a way to care for the person in emotional or physical need, as well as do their best to find a place for their pets.
But, this is not a new problem. As noted in a 2004 Cape Cod Times article: “Sometimes there is a direct link between homeless people and homeless animals. Cape Codders can't bring their pets into emergency shelters for individuals or families. And if they lose rental or permanent housing and have to move, their new landlord may not accept a pet that had been permitted in their previous residence.” Since January, homeless people have surrendered five cats and six dogs to the MSPCA's Animal Care and Adoption Center in Centerville, said manager Mandy Tramontozzi. "The pet owners were truly homeless," she said. "They had no home in which to keep their pets. One was a case where a woman was going into a homeless women's shelter with her children and couldn't keep the dog."
In addition, 46 cats and eight dogs were surrendered to the shelter by individuals who said their landlord didn't allow pets. Another 48 cats and 27 dogs ended up at the shelter because the families were moving, Tramontozzi said. "So often people have to part with their pet at the most crucial time of stress," she said. "It's kind of a sad reality people have to deal with."
Please take a moment to watch our three important videos to learn more and educate others!
For many, their pets are often the only stable, loving and genuine companionship, and permanently surrendering them because facilities such as shelters, transitional housing or motels will not allow their best friends to join them can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, many are forced to make that decision with just a moment's notice. This can be traumatic, and as a result, many choose to live outside or in cars with their pets. For those who agree to give their pets up, the animals often end up in a shelter where there can be limited space and resources. This cycle also puts more stress on our shelters and rescues which are already overburdened with unwanted pets.
There is currently no official emergency program in place on Cape Cod, Each time it is an urgent and chaotic process to find a way to care for the person in emotional or physical need, as well as do their best to find a place for their pets.
But, this is not a new problem. As noted in a 2004 Cape Cod Times article: “Sometimes there is a direct link between homeless people and homeless animals. Cape Codders can't bring their pets into emergency shelters for individuals or families. And if they lose rental or permanent housing and have to move, their new landlord may not accept a pet that had been permitted in their previous residence.” Since January, homeless people have surrendered five cats and six dogs to the MSPCA's Animal Care and Adoption Center in Centerville, said manager Mandy Tramontozzi. "The pet owners were truly homeless," she said. "They had no home in which to keep their pets. One was a case where a woman was going into a homeless women's shelter with her children and couldn't keep the dog."
In addition, 46 cats and eight dogs were surrendered to the shelter by individuals who said their landlord didn't allow pets. Another 48 cats and 27 dogs ended up at the shelter because the families were moving, Tramontozzi said. "So often people have to part with their pet at the most crucial time of stress," she said. "It's kind of a sad reality people have to deal with."
Please take a moment to watch our three important videos to learn more and educate others!
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