🔶 Follow-Up Support Framework for Homeless Families with Pets
1. Ongoing Case Management
Assign a case manager or outreach worker to each family for continuity and trust-building.
Responsibilities:
- Track progress toward housing, employment, healthcare.
- Assist with paperwork (IDs, housing applications, pet vaccination records).
- Coordinate referrals for social services and vet care.
- Advocate for pet-friendly housing.
- Check in regularly (weekly or biweekly) via phone, in person, or at service hubs.
🐾 Note: Case managers should be trained in trauma-informed care and understand the importance of the human-animal bond.
2. Housing Navigation
Secure long-term, pet-friendly housing and support families through the transition.
Support Services:
- Help families apply for Section 8 or Rapid Rehousing programs that allow pets.
- Negotiate with landlords for pet acceptance.
- Cover pet-related deposits (through grants or partnerships).
- Provide starter home kits (dishes, cleaning supplies, pet bedding).
- Offer move-in transportation for people and pets.
3. Health & Wellness Continuity
👨👩👧👦 For the Family:
- Ongoing medical referrals (including pediatric care).
- Mental health counseling or therapy, especially for children.
- Support groups or peer mentoring.
- Substance use treatment (if applicable).
🐕 For the Pets:
- Vet follow-up (shots, spay/neuter, chronic condition management).
- Referrals to low-cost or free clinics.
- Flea/tick and heartworm prevention provided quarterly or seasonally.
- Emergency vet fund for urgent needs.
4. Employment & Income Support
Help families build sustainable income and stability.
Options:
- Job readiness training.
- Resume help and interview prep.
- Childcare support to enable job attendance.
- Transportation passes.
- Connections to work that allows flexible schedules or remote work.
🐾 Bonus: Some programs offer pet-related employment opportunities (e.g., grooming, dog walking), which can be healing and empowering.
5. Pet Ownership Education
Support families in maintaining responsible, safe pet ownership in their new living situation.
Workshops or Resources:
- Basic pet training and behavior management.
- Routine grooming/hygiene tips.
- Pet safety in housing environments.
- How to find local pet support (low-cost supplies, emergency boarding).
Could be offered in-person, via handouts, or even short video series.
6. Emergency Planning
Help families build resilience by preparing for unexpected challenges.
- Back-up care for pets (trusted fosters or shelters in case of hospitalization or incarceration).
- Emergency kits for both family and pet.
- Contact cards for crisis support and pet ID tags.
- Safe escape plans for those fleeing domestic violence (with pet safety included).
7. Community Integration
Promote long-term stability by helping families connect to their new community.
- Pet-friendly events and support groups.
- Family resource fairs.
- School enrollment for kids.
- Volunteer opportunities to give back.
- Celebrate milestones (first apartment, job secured, pet birthday, etc.)
8. Check-In Milestones
Create structured follow-up checkpoints over 6–12 months.
| Timeframe | Support Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1–2 | Move-in support, immediate needs, vet follow-up |
| Month 1 | Employment, schooling, benefits check |
| Month 3 | Emotional support, savings plan, pet wellness |
| Month 6 | Stability review, job retention, landlord relationship |
| Month 12 | Graduation from program, celebration, optional alumni involvement |
Use a simple tracking form to document needs and services provided at each stage.
🔹 Partnerships for Long-Term Support
Build alliances with organizations that can continue care:
| Partner | Role |
|---|---|
| Animal Shelters/Vet Clinics | Ongoing health support, spay/neuter, fostering |
| Housing Authorities | Permanent housing navigation |
| Local Employers | Job placement or job fairs |
| Food Banks | Ongoing family and pet food support |
| Churches/Community Groups | Community reintegration and mentorship |
| Legal Aid | Help with custody, tenant rights, or fines |