The Arizona Pet Project and UMOM New Day Centers have created the first-of-its-kind program in the nation to assist individuals and families in keeping their pets while in emergency shelter and permanent housing.
Through this partnership, UMOM is contracting The Arizona Pet Project to place a dedicated social worker on its campus.
This social worker will provide case management for families with pets and to help the shelter in providing case housing assistance when clients depart their facility for permanent housing. The Arizona Pet Project will also help UMOM build training tools, improve outdoor dog-friendly spaces, and provide veterinary care, pet food, and supplies.
Since allowing loved pets onto their property, the number of animals on their campus and in their affordable housing complexes has grown. On a given day, as many as 250 dogs and cats may live onsite at one of UMOM’s facilities.
“Pets play a crucial role in the family dynamic, and for the families we assist, keeping those pets with their families helps create continuity and companionship for them, especially during times of crisis. But with so many pets onsite at our locations, the need for services became apparent, and we are so pleased that The Arizona Pet Project came to us with this onsite solution.”
Leanna Taylor, CEO of The Arizona Pet Project, said this about the partnership: “We have worked with UMOM, along with other nonprofits over the past several years through referrals to our agency. Seeing that relationship grow into creating a new model for our community where each organization can leverage its expertise is beyond exciting. We hope this will provide a template that can be used in communities nationwide.”
The Arizona Pet Project is currently operating on UMOM’s campus today!
