The first permanent outpost for dogs belonging to people experiencing homelessness is born

The first permanent outpost for dogs belonging to people experiencing homelessness is born

Starting 5 March, Save The Dogs‘ “Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life” project, which is dedicated to pets belonging to Milan’s homeless individuals and families in need, will have its first permanent city outpost at ‘mosso’ (n° 3, Via Mosso), the social space managed by a Temporary Business Association formed by five non-profit organizations working in the areas of job placement, shelter, culture, and training.

The first permanent outpost for dogs belonging to people experiencing homelessness

We are introducing a bi-monthly program for the Save the Dogs units, made possible by the funding received from the Fondazione di Comunità Milano association. This initiative aims to provide tangible support for individuals living in Milan’s Municipality Zone 2 who are facing severe poverty and who struggle to meet the needs of their four-legged companions.

The permanent outpost will be crucial in ensuring assistance and support for dogs belonging to the homeless and families in need

“The establishment of a permanent outpost will be crucial in ensuring assistance and support in a multi–cultural neighborhood characterized by so many contrasts, such as the one in the Via Padova area. The many individuals facing difficulties will be able to access a dedicated space where they can find essential supplies, including food and leashes. Additionally, they will receive initial assessments from our street veterinarians, who will provide useful advice on pet care and perform practical tasks such as microchip identification and registration in the Lombardy regional animal database. The decision to initiate activities in this area was a natural one, as ‘mosso’ plays a pivotal role as a community hub, offering various services to vulnerable populations. Their significant social function makes them an ideal partner in serving the broader community,” commented Ermanno Giudici, who is Responsible for the Save the Dogs and Other Animals Association ‘Friends on the Streets’ project.

Find out more about ‘Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life’

“For ‘mosso’ and its efforts in promoting social inclusion within the community, this initiative by Save the Dogs and the services its street unit provides is extremely valuable, precisely because of the ability it has to effectively identify and address the needs of the diverse residents living in this neighborhood. The issue of poverty and homelessness is particularly worthy of attention, because it is one of the focal elements of the area surrounding Via Padova”, agrees Luca Rossetti, the Community Manager at ‘mosso’.

A permanent outpost to forge contact with the community in Municipality Zone 2

“This first fixed point of assistance will be strategic in creating a direct link with the residents of the City’s Municipality Zone 2, fostering a relationship of trust and enabling us to control the presence and state of health of animals throughout the neighborhood. Having healthy and monitored animals not only serves as a foundation for ensuring their well-being, but also provides reassurance for the local citizens and those living alongside them, as well as highlighting the significance of the emotional bonds formed with our four-legged companions,” concludes Ermanno Giudici.

Read also: Homeless people with animals are not permitted access to Milan’s dormitories

Having healthy and monitored animals also provides reassurance for the local citizens and those living alongside them

Since 2021, the year when “Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life” was launched, 151 animals have been helped through the provision of kits containing all the basic necessities (dog coats and blankets in winter, antiparasitic treatments, bowls, leashes, muzzles, food, first aid sets, etc.), health care, vaccinations, microchip identification and free sterilizations (in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan and the Veterinary Service of ATS). The outpost will operate from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on designated days. The first available dates are 5 and 26 March, 23 April and 21 May, while from June a presence will be provided on the first and third Tuesday of each month (unless specific dates fall on Bank Holidays). To access the service or for further information, please contact the Save The Dogs office, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on (00.39) 02.3944.5900 or (00.39) 02.565.6951.

Having healthy and monitored animals also provides reassurance for the local citizens and those living alongside them