Feeding Pets of the Homeless© Program Expands Pet related businesses are helping those in need

Paw Publishing has expanded the Feeding Pets of the Homeless© program. The program started in December 2006 by enrolling veterinarian hospitals and clinics around the country to collect pet food from their clientele using a local publicity campaign. The members of the program collaborate with a local food bank, shelter or soup kitchen that distributes the pet food to those in need.

Founder, Genevieve Frederick said, “The response from the general public has been overwhelming. Feeding Pets of the Homeless© has changed the way many people view the homeless. Compassionate people around the country want to contribute pet food for those less fortunate; they contact me daily to ask where they can go or why there isn’t a location in their town. I realized that the program needs more collection sites and partnering food banks, that is why we have decided to promote to all pet related businesses to participate. There are two programs; one for the veterinarian hospitals/clinics and one for other pet related businesses.”

“People have come to realized that the homeless who have pets are in need of pet food.” Frederick went on to say “Reasons for homelessness are across the broad as to why there are so many people living on the streets of America; from the economy, shortages of shelters and money to run them, low income housing shortages, the disabled, drug and alcohol addictions, spousal abuse and more. Many of those people choose to live on the street because they have a pet and can not find a shelter that will allow their pets to join them in the shelters or low cost motels or apartments. To them giving up their beloved pet is not an option.”

“The National Alliance to End Homelessness report of January 2007 stated that between 804,212 - 744,313 people in the United States experienced homelessness in January 2005 on a given night. But more disturbing were the figures for the unshielded during that time, a record: 322,050. It has been estimated that 10 – 25% of those unshielded have at least one dog or cat. These pets provide the homeless with a strong emotional bond of loyalty and comfort while being nonjudgmental. For some, provide the homeless with protection and warmth. And in extreme cases they provide a contact with reality. The hospitals/clinics and other pet related businesses that have enrolled are taking a big step to help those less fortunate who have pets, while showing their communities that they are socially responsible and care.”

Frederick is the founder, author and publisher of the Feeding Pets of the Homeless©

More information on the program can be found at www.petsofhomeless.com