Resources
66% of U.S. households report having at least one pet, and the majority of those report they consider their animal to be a family member.
When we don’t ask about people’s pets, we risk missing an important strength and/or stressor in their lives!
Join the Ask About Pets Campaign!
Sign up as an individual or organization to agree to add three questions to your intake process.
Why Join?
- One on One support for implementation
- Exclusive access to CE and training
- Opportunity to participate in research
- Updates on the latest research and tools
- Networking with like-minded professionals
Spread the word!
Download our question card for easy access
3 questions social workers need to be asking our clients...
...and add to intakes and assessments (include in the social support or family section, or wherever it best makes sense for your area of practice):
- Do you have any pets?
- Is your pet helpful to you?
- Any pet-related stressors, and who can be helpful?
Do you have a client with one of these needs or concerns?
Crisis Pet Foster Care & Co-Sheltering
- PetHelpFinder.org: How to search the site:
youtu.be/xVsOSbIqr8w?feature=shared - BestyBnB
Locate temporary housing for clients’ pets until they can be reunited.
bestybnb.com/ - Pets of the Homeless
National database for emergency housing shelters allowing pets on-site or offering pet resources
petsofthehomeless.org/get-help/ - Keeping People and Pets Together
Guide for developing low-barrier emergency shelter models for people with pets
endhomelessness.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Keeping-People-and-Pets-Together-031220.pdf
Violence
- Animal abuse and neglect reporting
Report suspected animal abuse or neglect in your community; consult your state NASW chapter for additional responsibilities of reporting.
nationallinkcoalition.org/how-do-i-report-suspected-abuse - Safe Havens for Pets
Directory for pet families experiencing domestic violence
safehavensforpets.org
Violence to animals and violence to people - featured resources
- The National Link Coalition
National clearinghouse related to the link between violence toward animals and people. Offers legislation updates, policy and practice tools, research
nationallinkcoalition.org
Pet Loss
- Ohio State University Pet Loss Support and Online Resource Page
vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/honoring-bond-support-animal-owners/pet-loss-support-hotlines - Lap of Love
Pet support and hospice care
lapoflove.com
Vet care
- PetHelpFinder.org: How to search the site:
youtu.be/xVsOSbIqr8w?feature=shared
Transportation
-
U Transport®
Available for animal and human service organizations to provide transportation to access needed care and resources
opendoorconsults.org/transportation/