Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life
Contents
As poverty has risen, so too has the number of homeless people sharing their lives with one or more four-legged companions, particularly in major cities across Italy and Europe.
We are not talking about individuals who are exploiting animals to seek charity from passersby, but about people who, for a variety of reasons, have found themselves without a job and family connections and who now find solace in the one stable relationship in their lives, the one they share with their pet.
Overview
First project of its kind in Italy
This is the first structured and ongoing initiative designed to monitor and assist the pets belonging to individuals living on the streets.
Focus on people and their pets
The project is part of a solidarity network involving humanitarian organizations and local institutions.
Expert collaboration
StreetVet UK, a well-established group of British veterinarians, has shared best practices with us based on their experience in the UK.
Our intervention
Save the Dogs staff members patrol key areas of the city to identify homeless individuals living with their pets, with the goal of meeting their needs and building a relationship of trust.
They carry special kits with them that include essential items for the dogs of the homeless, such as winter coats and flea treatments during the summer months, as well as dog bowls, leashes, food supplies, and first aid supplies.
The main goal of this project is to ensure that these animals receive veterinary care, including vaccinations and sterilization, in collaboration with the Municipality of Milan and the Veterinary Service of the Health Protection Agency.
In cases where more serious health issues arise, the program provides more advanced medical care through affiliations with partner clinics.
Some project statistics
3 staff members
9 volunteer vets
21 volunteer workers
191 supported couples (individuals and their pets)
274 animals assisted
Developments over the next two years
Having a deep understanding of the situation in Milan, Save the Dogs has laid the groundwork to secure the resources necessary to expand the project, aiming to include not only homeless people but also other individuals with pets who are struggling financially.
For this reason, further growth and expansion of our activities is planned for 2024, not only increasing the number of Street Unit outings, but also establishing a fixed service point for people who, despite having a roof over their heads, are struggling to cover the costs of caring for their animals.
The first phase of this expansion will be carried out in collaboration with the Municipality 2 area of Milan, where there are many people experiencing hardship. Our goal is to become a support hub for residents who, despite their love for their animals, face challenges in looking after them and providing them with essential veterinary care.
An animal that is properly cared for represents a positive value for all concerned, both in terms of its health and overall welfare.
Acknowledgements
We would particularly like to thank:
Donations in kind
Box Italia
Rinaldo Franco
Trixie Italia
Euroservice
United Pets
Morsoworld
Financial support
Idealista
Fondazione Banca del Monte di Lombardia
Santévet
Support the project
Your donations will be transformed into food, blankets for the winter and veterinary care.
What does Save the Dogs do?
- We assist homeless people living on the streets with their pets, currently solely in the city of Milan, by offering different forms of support that can enhance the quality of life for the animals in their care;
- We help individuals in need by arranging veterinary appointments or providing cleaning and grooming services for their pets;
- We provide pet food, and essential supplies such as muzzles, leashes, dog coats, and blankets.
Who does Save the Dogs work with?
What Save the Dogs is not able to do:
- Perform activities that require an emergency response
- Be present in all areas where there are homeless people living on the street with their animals, for operational and economic reasons
- Undertake measures to prevent potential mistreatment, as our staff members are not trained to intervene directly.
What can I do?
- In the event of your witnessing incidents of maltreatment, please call the emergency number 112 or contact the Milan Local Police Operations Center on 02.02.08;
- If you witness instances of deterioration or suspected abuse, please report it to the Animal Protection Office of the City of Milan by sending an email to m.ufficiotutelaanimali@comune.milano.it or sending a Certified Email (PEC) to tutela.animali@pec.comune.milano.it;
- Support this project by making a donation.
What preconceptions should I steer clear of?
- It is only in rare instances that homeless individuals living on the streets with their animals employ their pets to garner sympathy from passersby and collect money. The vast majority keep animals for companionship, and have established a loving relationship with them;
- Not every person living on the street does so by choice: for many it is the consequence of severe economic hardship and the lack of a social network;
- It is not impossible for dogs living with homeless people to lead a happy life, perhaps more so than dogs who spend their existence in solitude or confined to a balcony;
- The project does not set out to encourage keeping animals while living on the street; the assistance offered always prioritizes the welfare of the animals, thereby reducing the likelihood of any exploitative situations.