A hostel in Leeds has opened two kennels so homeless men don't need to abandon their best friends to get a bed for the night.
After seeing many homeless people turn down accommodation to stay with their dogs, Turning Lives Around (TLA) decided to set up kennels at its hostel called Oakdale in Meanwood Road, as part of a one-year pilot scheme.
The charity has also teamed up with Street Paws, an animal charity which offers free vet care to homeless people with animal companions.
James Allen, from TLA, said: “We recognised that some homeless people were loathe to leave the streets because they couldn’t take their dogs with them.
“We know we are not experts in dog care and wanted to do this right to improve its chances of success.
"Street Paws has helped us design the two kennels, they have offered advice and guidance to staff and will provide vet care to the animals.
The millions in tax payers money spent on running homeless hostels in Leeds
“When a person takes up a place in our Oakdale service, where the pilot is running, they will be able to bring their dog.
"People commonly stay in one of our supported housing schemes for up to four months during which time we will have helped them access their own tenancies and any other support they might need to tackle health or dependency issues and set them on their way to independent living and job seeking."
He added: “Keeping their pet with them has positive mental health benefits. It’s an initiative that makes sense.”
Michelle Southern, founder of Street Paws, described the scheme as 'ground breaking'.
She added: "Having a pet is a barrier to a place in the hostel. Our clients stay on the streets, risking their health and safety because of the incredible bond they share with their dogs.
“We already provide animal care to street sleepers in Leeds and commonly find that their pets are well cared for and in good health.
"They feed their pet before themselves but having access to a hostel place with their pet will ensure they are safe and secure.
“Oakdale offering pet care could be the catalyst for change for many street sleepers and help them to rebuild their lives.”
Leeds City Council says there are around 130 people who are known to be sleeping rough in the city, but it has repeatedly stated no one needs to sleep on the streets.
The council also states that 99 per cent of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness do not resort to sleeping rough.
Seven people have lost their lives while sleeping on the streets of Leeds over the last two years.
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