Domestic violence, cancer, catastrophic injuries, the sudden death of a loved one – these types of challenges can devastate even the strongest of families. Too often, those facing what may feel like insurmountable obstacles are left so depleted, emotionally and financially, that they have nothing left for their pets. Unfortunately, countless dogs and cats are abandoned or surrendered to already overcrowded municipal shelters annually by their heartbroken owners, who have simply become too overwhelmed by their circumstances to seek alternative measures. Animals that end up on the street after being in a home are confused and frightened, and are unable to survive for very long without human companionship. Pets turned in to city shelters usually do not fare any better; if not adopted within a few weeks – or sometimes even days – they are euthanized at taxpayer expense.
Animals play an important role in so many families, and when a beloved pet is abandoned or surrendered during a time of crisis, its loss can compound an already difficult situation. It is the mission of Share Our Space Fosters for Pets in Need, Inc. (doing business as SOS Fosters for Pets in Need), a Texas non-profit corporation approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization, to assist our friends and neighbors during particularly stressful times so that they can weather the storms they are facing without giving up their pets. Specifically, this mission involves:
A. Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence. Thousands of people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are the victims of domestic violence every year. Ending an abusive relationship can be extremely distressing, particularly when that decision involves moving out of one’s home and into a shelter temporarily. Research reveals that a person with a pet is less likely to make that move when the shelter is unable to accommodate animals – even if remaining in the household puts family members at risk – because of the justifiable fear that the abuser may harm the pet. Moreover, those who flee an unsafe situation and are forced to leave their cherished pet behind may suffer anxiety, guilt, and sadness for years to come.
Assistance to those affected by domestic violence will be accomplished as follows:
1. SOS Fosters for Pets in Need will work with domestic violence shelters that are unable to accommodate animals by arranging for short-term care for the pets of those who have moved into such shelters. If possible, this care will be provided in a foster home, so that the animal does not experience the stress often associated with kenneling. If a foster home is not immediately available, care will be provided in a boarding facility that we have pre-approved until other arrangements can be made;
2. if a pet’s veterinary needs have been neglected because of chaos in the home resulting from domestic violence, SOS Fosters for Pets in Need will ensure that the animal receives appropriate veterinary attention and will supply and administer necessary medications prescribed for the animal while it is in our care, all at no cost to the owner. In addition, we will encourage the owners of unaltered animals to spay or neuter their pets and will provide financial assistance for that purpose; and
3. for any person who wishes to relocate to an apartment that requires a pet deposit and who lacks sufficient funds to pay it, SOS Fosters for Pets in Need will cover the pet deposit on a one-time basis so that the pet may be rehomed with its owner.
B. Assistance to Individuals and Families Facing a Health Crisis. When someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness or has suffered a debilitating injury, routine tasks like caring for a pet can be exhausting. Assistance to families facing serious health conditions will be accomplished by providing short-term foster care or boarding for pets if necessary, or by arranging and paying for dog-walkers, “poop” clean-up services, mobile groomers, etc. The pet’s veterinary needs may be covered as well.
C. Assistance as a “Safety Net.” SOS Fosters for Pets in Need will serve as a “safety net” for any pet when its owner has died, has become disabled, or has relocated to an assisted living or nursing facility, and for victims of domestic violence who choose, for any reason, not to be reunited with their pet, by providing foster care or boarding for the pet until it can be successfully rehomed. All prospective adoptive homes will be carefully screened before rehoming is accomplished.
Finally, on occasion, SOS Fosters for Pets in Need will provide foster care for stray dogs and cats, or for those surrendered to animal shelters, until permanent homes can be found for these animals.