Pets in care: it can and it works

Pets are more than companionship for many people. It is holding, love and security. Even in social or sheltered housing, for example.

A pet as support in difficult times

For people without their own roof over their heads, their dog or cat is often the only thing they have left. An animal that is unconditionally loyal, offers comfort and gives structure to the day. Not surprisingly, many clients don't feel safe enough to seek help until their pet is allowed to come along.

At Dier&Vriend, part of De Regenboog Groep, we see daily how important this is. Clients experience less fear and resistance to therapy or shelter once they are allowed to stay with their animal. That is why we have developed a toolkit for organizations that want to allow pets in their shelter or residence facility.

Doubts and concerns: understandable, but solvable

Many shelters want to, but aren't quite sure how. What if an animal is aggressive? What do you do with allergies? What about care, veterinarian, or costs? What if a client leaves and leaves the animal behind?

These concerns make sense. Dier&Vriend's toolkit provides guidance. Among other things you will find guidelines for dealing with animals, sample agreements with clients and an overview of what you can arrange as a location.

What does it ask of an organization?

Allowing pets mainly requires clear agreements and some extra attention from employees. It helps to appoint an "animal attention officer" within the team. You also have to take into account some extra costs, for example for cleaning or temporary care elsewhere.

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Experience shows that this investment pays off handsomely. Clients feel safer, build a bond with supervisors faster and are more willing to accept help.

Practical experiences

The pilot at De Regenboog Groep and HVO Querido shows that it works. People feel more seen. Of course there are also challenges such as rooms that are left dirty or animals that unexpectedly end up alone. But situations like that can usually be handled well with good agreements and a safety net.

The toolkit: what's in it?
The startup toolkit on this website consists of:

• A checklist for a good start to sheltering with an animal,
• House rules and agreements for shelter locations,

On request, you can also receive additional materials an agreement for keeping a pet in the shelter, a list of important network phone numbers (this can be adapted to the shelter environment), a bite and scratch protocol and a sign-up form for temporary care. We customize this with you to fit your location. The project leader can also visit to see if a property is suitable for pets.

Getting started with pets yourself? Get in touch

Does your organization also want to make space for people and animals? Or would you like more information about the toolkit? Please contact Dier&Vriend at dierenvriend@deregenboog.org. We'll be happy to help you on your way. Together we will create a shelter where everyone is welcome and help is effective (with the support of a four-legged friend).