Michelle Southern OBE

Since its inception in 2016 Street Paws has worked directly with pet owners experiencing homelessness to change the way they access services and ensure no one is forced to choose between their pet and a safe place to sleep. Our outreach work allowed us to understand the larger needs of homeless pet owners, leading us to pioneer the Dog Champion Scheme; partnering with hostels to support them in becoming pet friendly. Led by the needs of their clients, Street Paws offers free veterinary treatment and training to encourage responsible pet ownership. They provide check-ups, vaccinations, microchipping, preventative care, as well as essential pet supplies. Any pet registered to the Dog Champion Scheme will be able to access one to one support from the Street Paws team who can arrange more involved veterinary treatment at no cost when needed. Street Paws recognises the need to help change the system not just treat the symptom. Our team are on hand to signpost clients to support services and assist homeless pet owners to find accommodation, thus breaking the homelessness cycle.