Friends on the Streets, Companions for Life
Contents
As a result of the increase in poverty, the phenomenon of homeless people sharing their lives with one or more four-legged animals has grown exponentially in all major Italian and European cities.
We are not talking about people who exploit animals to stimulate the generosity of passers-by, but about individuals who – for a wide variety of different reasons – have lost their jobs and family networks and have taken refuge in the only stable relationship in their lives: the one they have forged with their pets.
The context
The first project of its kind in Italy
A structured and continuous monitoring system and support program tailored specifically for pets owned by individuals experiencing homelessness.
Putting animals and people first
A strong support network comprised of institutions and humanitarian associations.
Expert advice
Valuable insights received from StreetVet UK, the association of veterinarians that has already been operational in Great Britain for several years.
Our actions
The Save the Dogs team members are assigned to monitor city hotspots, with the objective of addressing the needs of homeless people living on the streets with their four-legged companions, while also working to build trust.
The team has dog kits readily available for homeless individuals, equipped with essential items including dog jackets for the winter months and antiparasitic treatments in summer, as well as bowls, leashes, food, and a first aid kit.
The project aims to ensure that these animals receive veterinary care, including organizing vaccinations and sterilizations, in collaboration with the City of Milan and the ATS Veterinary Service.
In addition, in the case of any significant health issues, we provide any advanced medical care that is required at our affiliated facilities.
Some key figures of the project
3 members of staff
6 volunteer veterinarians
15 volunteer team members
124 individual + pet duos assisted
151 animals assisted
Developments over the next two years
Given the reality of the situation in the city of Milan, Save the Dogs has initiated plans to obtain all the essential resources needed to expand the project, with the intention of including not only people experiencing homelessness but also other individuals with pets facing financial hardship.
In 2024, our aim is to further grow and extend our outreach activities, not only by increasing the number of Street Unit outings, but also by establishing a permanent location dedicated to assisting people who have a fixed abode but are struggling to cover the costs of caring for their pet.
The initial phase of our expansion will be closely coordinated with the administrative division of Milan’s Municipality Zone 2, an area of the city where there are many situations of hardship. Our goal is to establish ourselves as a point of reference for citizens in this community who, despite their love for their pets, encounter challenges in providing them with essential veterinary care and maintenance.
Acknowledgements
We would particularly like to thank:
Donation of essential items
Box Italia
Rinaldo Franco
Trixie Italia
Euroservice
United Pets
Morsoworld
Financial support
Idealista
Fondazione di Comunità Milano
Fondo Dr.ssa Fulvia Anelli
Fondazione Banca del Monte di Lombardia
With contributions from:
Support the project
Your assistance will be converted into provisions such as food, winter blankets, and veterinary services.
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?
We collaborate with Fondazione Arca and other humanitarian organizations dedicated to aiding the homeless, aiming to establish a more effective and cohesive network for our shared mission.
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.