Homelessness and pet ownership

Today, one of my clients was an elderly homeless woman,- her cracked toenails were visible through her threadbare shoes, most of her incisors were missing. However, a bigger tragedy for her was her cat was dying. Clearly she loved this 16 year old cat, who she had paid for us to examine a month earlier - only to have us diagnose her with cancer.  Instead of taking the "easy" route, she choose humane euthanasia for her beloved feline;wanting her pet to have a dignified, humane ending.  She wanted a photo of her cat, not having a camera or a cell phone- unlike the majority of us these days, she was not connected to the internet.

Pet owners are often faced with tough decisions regarding what is best for their pet. Homeless pet owners have the difficult decision on whether or not to keep their pets. Often pet owners have to choose between shelter and keeping their pet. In Bellingham, WA, the local shelters do not accommodate pets (with the exception of service animals for the disabled).

We also know that pets can bring joy and better health to their owners, but financial hardship can make it difficult for owners to care for their pets. Here are some resources for financially strapped owners, both local, regional, and national.

1)The Whatcom Humane Society (360 733-2080)  has a pet food bank, that provides pet food to the pets of low income residents in our county- they supply pet food to the Bellingham food bank, Blaine food bank, and the Lummi Indian Reservation Community Center. Many shelters offer this service- call them to find out.

2) WeSNiP (360-733-6549)  is a program in Whatcom/Skagit counties that can provide high quality spay and neuter services to low income pet owners. Owners receiving public assistance are eligible

3) Seattle Humane Society  (425-641-0800)   has a pet food bank and provides services to pets of disabled individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS.

4)  The Doney Memorial Clinic (206- 622-5177)  in Seattle : provides veterinary care for homeless and low income individuals (need proof of residence)

5) The RedRover Relief  (916-429-2457)  provide grants for emergency veterinary care throughout the US and Canada.

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Dr. Timothy Kraabel: Anesthesia Fears

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