How StreetVet is helping to tackle the lack of pet-inclusive temporary accommodation for those experiencing
homelessness with a pet through our partnership with MSD Animal Health
Imagine being told you can’t come in out of the cold because you have your beloved pet by your side. For many people experiencing homelessness, this is a heartbreaking reality — where the choice between their loyal companion and a safe place to sleep occurs far too often.
Last month, at two of our Cornwall outreaches we joined forces with our partner MSD Animal Health as part of a parasite prevention campaign to help remove one of the obstacles to hostels not accepting residents with a pet.
How We’re Making a Difference
One of the most concerning barriers preventing hostels and temporary accommodation providers from accepting clients with a pet is the risk of flea infestations. To help tackle this, we have launched an initiative through our outreaches to be able to provide year-round flea and tick treatment for the pets that we support whose owners are experiencing homelessness, kindly donated by MSD Animal Health. This simple yet effective solution helps keep pets’ healthy, happy and hostel-ready.
Why Fleas and Ticks are Such a BIG Deal
If you’ve ever dealt with a pet that has fleas, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be. But for someone experiencing homelessness with their pet, the risk of a pet having a flea or tick infestation can lead to hostels and other temporary accommodation providers not accepting pets within their facilities. Given that less than 10%1 of hostels currently accept people with pets in the UK, this challenge is significant for those experiencing homelessness alongside their pets.
Shockingly, 1 in 7 dogs2 have fleas and 1 in 10 fleas2 carry diseases that can harm both pets and humans. Ticks are no better as they can carry serious illnesses like Lyme disease.
That’s why MSD Animal Health’s donation of flea and tick treatments is such a game-changer for StreetVet. It’s not just about protecting pets — it’s about helping their owners access safe accommodation, keeping loyal companions together and preserving the special bond they share with their pets.
What This Partnership Means for Pets and People
Thanks to this partnership, we can provide 12 months of tick and flea protection to the pets of our clients who are currently experiencing homelessness, whether that’s living on the streets, sofa surfing, sleeping in a car or van or staying in temporary accommodation.
With our amazing teams of volunteer vets and vet nurses administering the treatments, we ensure these pets get the care they need and deserve. Plus, to make things even easier for hostels, each dog treated by StreetVet with the flea and tick treatment donated by MSD Animal Health, will be provided with proof of protection, reassuring hostels that the pet is parasite-free and safe to stay on their premises.
The Bigger Picture: Homelessness and Pets
Did you know that 50%3 of people experiencing homelessness have had to choose between their pet and a roof over their head? That is a staggering statistic, and it highlights the deep bond between people and their pets, as well as the urgent need for more pet-friendly accommodations.
In places like Cornwall and Devon, where over 3,7004 people are currently experiencing homelessness, these challenges are particularly pressing. With the colder months here and with Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) activations implemented across multiple regions, finding solutions to keep pets and their owners safe has never been more important.
“During the colder winter months, when freezing temperatures and harsh weather make accessing pet-friendly hostel accommodation for those experiencing homelessness with their pets more critical than ever, this initiative is a lifeline.” says Zoe Abbotts, CEO at StreetVet.
“This partnership is about opening doors – literally and figuratively – so pets and their owners can access the safety and stability they need.” said Victoria Miles, Companion Animal Director at MSD Animal Health. “Many experiencing homelessness rely on their pets for emotional support but can be denied hostel access due to flea and tick concerns.”
How You Can Help
This initiative isn’t just about fleas and ticks — it’s about creating a world where no one has to choose between their pet and a roof over their head.
MSD Animal Health and StreetVet are calling on the public, policymakers, and organisations to support initiatives like these. Together, we can ensure that more hostels and temporary accommodation providers welcome pets and their owners, keeping them safe and together.
1 Dog’s Trust Hope Project and Homeless Link Statistic
2 MSD Animal Health and the University of Bristol collected samples for The Big Flea Project between 1st April – 1st June 2018 – https://www.msd-animal-health.co.uk/2019/05/10/largest-study-with-vet-practices-reveals-the-infectious-diseases-fleas-carry-and-the-risks-posed-to-human-health/
3 St Mungos April 2024 – https://www.mungos.org/individuals-have-been-forced-to-choose-their-pets-over-housing-or-face-homelessness/
4BBC News – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-64224932
