Homelessness and Animal Welfare

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As most of us know, America's homeless population is increasing every year. The number of people living on the streets in only Oregon increased by almost 9% from 2022 to 2023. Part of society blames individuals as if it were their fault that they are not able to afford a living. Another part blames the system and its dysfunctional dynamics.
Regardless of who is to blame, our new reality is as obvious to us as the misery of those who live in it. Homelessness and those who are impacted are a reflection of our struggling society. Some will seek help, and many will roam the streets of our cities dragging shopping carts full of everything they possess. And some will seek a deeper connection with a sole living thing who cares about them and for whom they care - a pet.

Pets are known for unconditional love and attachment. Many homeless pet owners form strong attachments to their pupils and report feeling less lonely as a result of pet ownership. Their pets tend to be the only living beings that distinctively interact with them. Pets are also known for helping with mental health and loneliness. They can bring many benefits to people who need a little companion in their lives.

Now some may say that homeless people should never own a pet since "they are not even able to care for themselves". Those people are somewhere right about this statement. Homeless people are not entirely able to care for their pets and provide them all their medical needs. They simply need our help.

That is where The Portland Animal Welfare Team steps up. Animal Welfare keeps pets and people together by providing veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty. The Portland Animal Welfare Team is a volunteer-powered nonprofit that provides essential veterinary services to over 1,000 Portland-area families each year, assisting people living on the streets, in transitional shelters, or in government housing, as well as those experiencing temporary financial hardship that limits their access to medical care for their pets. 

 

What can you give?  

The Portland Animal Welfare welcomes all donations of new and gently used pet supplies. They feel honored to give your pet’s former items a new life, but before passing along a well-loved bed or toy, please consider “Would I feel proud passing this along to a neighbor?” The Portland Animal Welfare also accepts bags of food that are both unopened or open/torn.  

You can also visit their Amazon Wishlist to order items directly! 

Or Donate to the PAW Team 

DONATE

 


How can you give?

You are welcome to bring items directly to Pet Supply Bank anytime during our open hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 10am-3pm. It is located at 1718 NE 82nd Ave. in Portland, Oregon. If you need to arrange an alternate time, please reach out to info@pawteam.org. 

 


The Portland Animal Welfare does not accept:

Any food past one year of expiration, CBD treats or supplements, retractable leashes, shock collars, electric collars, or prong collars. 

 


The Portland Animal Welfare Team 
Contact information: 
1718 NE 82nd Ave. Portland, OR 97220
Phone: (503)206-6033    |    Fax: (503)200-3519
Tuesday - Thursday 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Website: https://www.pawteam.org/  


Sources:
https://www.pawteam.org/  
https://petsofthehomeless.org/dont-just-walk-on-by-feeding-pets-of-the-homeless/ 
https://endhomelessness.org/pets/
https://www.aspca.org/improving-laws-animals/public-policy/housing/people-pets-experiencing-homelessness 

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