People sleeping rough shouldn’t have to choose between finding a home and keeping their pets, a homelessness charity has said.
Street Paws is calling for pet-friendly accommodation to be included in the government’s plans to tackle rough sleeping.
The charity’s chief executive, Michelle Southern OBE, said some people were turning down accommodation because they could not take their animals with them.
Writing in a blog, she said pets could be a person’s ‘only source of stability, protection and emotional connection’.
One person supported by Street Paws said: ‘I want to come inside. I just can’t leave my dog behind. He’s all I’ve got.’
Some housing providers have blanket bans on pets, Street Paws says, while a lack of guidance and support can make it harder for them to accommodate animals safely.
The issue also extends beyond homelessness services. Government figures show 8% of private renters in England – about 363,000 households – said they had been refused a tenancy because they had a pet in 2024-25.
Meanwhile, there is no equivalent figure for social housing. In February, the government wrote to social landlords reminding them to have clear and accessible policies on keeping pets.
Street Paws wants national guidance for councils and housing providers, as well as funding for temporary pet care for people going into hospital, rehabilitation or detox services.
The charity also says some areas have seen a fall in rough sleeping and better engagement with support services after introducing pet-friendly policies.
The calls come as the government sets out plans to improve access to accommodation as part of its efforts to end rough sleeping.
Ms Southern said: ‘No one should be left outside because of the animal who keeps them going.’
Image: Emily Whitehouse
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