Cooling compassion: Heat relief for people and pets facing homelessness
As the summer heat ramps up, veterinarians are coming together to provide services to unhoused people and pets. The Street Dog Coalition provides care across the United States, providing everything from water to “pet booties.”
While the summer sun certainly has benefits, it does not come without its health risks for people and pets. People experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable populations when it comes to heat exposure, and the pets they keep face that same risk. Luckily, veterinarians and organizations like The Street Dog Coalition are stepping up to help that population stay safe in the summer.
The Street Dog Coalition is a national nonprofit organization that provides free veterinary care to the pets of people who are experiencing (or who are at risk of experiencing) homelessness. Those services come in the form of pop-up street clinics in more than 60 U.S. cities, with care provided by volunteer veterinary professionals.
Summer challenges for people and pets
Many of the challenges faced by people and pets experiencing homelessness, like food scarcity, affect them year-round. However, some struggles are seasonal. “[They] are subjected to extreme temperatures, putting them at risk of dehydration, sunburn, paw pad burns, and in more serious cases, heatstroke,” says Hilary Wheeler, DVM, CVA, CCRT, the National Medical Director of The Street Dog Coalition.
To help combat the summer heat, The Street Dog Coalition provides cold water and collapsible bowls. Pop-up clinics can also treat minor heat-related conditions like paw pad burns and mild dehydration.
When available, they take donations of pet booties to protect paw pads from hot pavement. Dr. Wheeler notes that most dogs using these donated booties adjust to the paw coverings quickly. “Our teams have already had positive feedback from returning pet parents, grateful to have the ability to keep their pups comfortable and safe on hot days.”
A One Health approach
While veterinary professionals dedicate themselves to improving the lives of pets, it is important to acknowledge both ends of the leash. Wheeler notes that many people will seek veterinary care for their pets before seeking life-saving care for themselves. To address this, The Street Dog Coalition advocates a One Health approach to street medicine. They encouraging teams to partner with human healthcare workers and others who provide services to unhoused people and families.
While pets receive healthcare services, their owners may benefit from meal distribution services, dental care, haircuts, and more. Through these partnerships, The Street Dog Coalition supports the people who entrust the care of their pets to the organization.
Unfortunately, summer heat sometimes means a pop-up clinic must be canceled. The Street Dog Coalition sees a high demand for their services. Wheeler mentions that this means people line up early and will wait for hours to get their pets seen. “While we want to prioritize caring for our patients and their people, we have to make sure we have ample shade, fresh water, and a safe space for volunteers, families, and their pets to be seen,” she adds. Cats, brachycephalic dogs, and dogs both noticeably young and old have an increased risk of experiencing heat-related health issues while waiting to be seen.
How veterinary teams and others can help
Community partners that provide a climate-controlled indoor space for street clinics during the sweltering summer months help The Street Dog Coalition continue their lifesaving work. When teams want to have a pop-up event and indoor space is not available, volunteers should seek spaces with natural shade and bring pop-up tents. Cold water, sunscreen, and battery-operated fans to protect volunteers, pets, and clients go a long way. Frozen bandannas and pet-safe ‘pup’sicles also help animals waiting to be seen in the heat.
Veterinary teams and others can also consider having a donation drive to gather essential supplies for pet owners experiencing homelessness. These items can be distributed at pop-up clinics.
For veterinary professionals in or near an area served by The Street Dog Coalition, displaying materials about the organization can help raise awareness. Wheeler also recommends speaking at veterinary medical association meetings about the challenges faced by people and pets experiencing homelessness. Veterinary professionals can also consider volunteering their time and services with the organization directly.
The Street Dog Coalition is restricted in their ability to grow sustainably into more cities due to limited funding and staff resources. But if there is interest in starting a team in a new area, The Street Dog Coalition suggests reaching out to them.
The work highlights the importance of the human-animal bond, adds Wheeler. “We are here to protect and nurture that bond by creating a safe, compassionate space without judgment or preconceived notions.”
Photo credit: Hilary Wheeler/The Street Dog Coalition
Disclaimer: The views expressed, and topics discussed, in any NEWStat column or article are intended to inform, educate, or entertain, and do not represent an official position by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.