Program
Companion Animal Program
St. Vincent de Paul's Companion Animal Program strives to keep pet owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness safe, together and sheltered with their pets.
The Society of Pets and People Cared For
The Companion Animal Program (CAP), started in 2021 at St. Vincent de Paul, has had tremendous impact on the lives of pet owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness and their animals. The CAP program helps care for the basic needs of the pets of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Thousands of individuals in our community are living on the streets. Many have beloved companions, dogs or cats, who often are their only source of safety, love and comfort.
CAP has helped thousands of owners and pets access resources that keep them safe, sheltered, together and cared for. Since 2021, critical services have included free animal wellness checkups, transportation to appointments, vaccinations, spay/neuter, licensure, food and supplies — all in collaboration with partner animal welfare organizations to avoid redundancies and increase reach and access.
Overall, CAP has helped 2,459 companion animals. 65% of the guests were experiencing homelessness and 35% were housed but experiencing hardship or were part of a government assisted program.
Since CAP originated, SVdP has allowed companion animals to stay with their owners, at our shelters and transitional housing. Approximately 20% of our guests have pets.
In Summer 2024, SVdP will open a new building, which will more than double the transitional housing capacity on its main campus. Housed in the new building will be CAP's new 3,000 sq ft Companion Animal Veterinary Clinic, run in partnership with Midwestern University's Animal Health Institute. The clinic will provide care for the pets of guests and neighbors in need.
By the numbers
Services
Thanks to generous community support, our pet pantries operated out of our Valley dining rooms, Ozanam Manor, Washington St. Shelter, and Resource Center, offer guests access to vital supplies ranging from pet food and leashes to crates and dog booties.
In partnership with animal welfare organizations like the Arizona Humane Society, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, Heidi’s Village, and Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, SVdP helps to provide access to veterinary care, vaccinations, pet licensing, microchipping and much more for the pets of those experiencing homelessness. SVdP hosts pet wellness clinics on our campus to give those we serve access to the services of our community partners.
CAP also supports individuals ending their homelessness with costs associated with their companion animal like pet deposits, transitional housing support and fostering or re-homing support.
Locations
Learn more about our Companion Animal Program locations around the Valley
