Case Study: StreetLink & StreetVet – A Partnership Supporting People Sleeping Rough and Their Pets

man and dog

In February 2024, StreetLink and StreetVet launched an innovative partnership aimed at addressing the often-overlooked needs of people sleeping rough with pets. With up to one in four people experiencing homelessness in the UK accompanied by an animal, this initiative recognised the critical role pets play in their owners’ wellbeing — and the barriers they face in accessing support.

Through this new integration, members of the public and individuals self-referring can now indicate if they are accompanied by a pet when submitting a StreetLink alert. This directly triggers a notification to StreetVet, enabling a rapid response from their volunteer clinical teams to assess and support both the animal and their owner.

The impact

Since launch, over 240 referrals to StreetVet have been made via StreetLink, representing around 6–9% of StreetVet’s total monthly referrals. While only a small proportion of these lead to direct intervention, the wider impact has been significant — increasing public awareness, improving referral accuracy for outreach teams, and expanding access to care for a highly marginalised group.

As Collette Sheaff from StreetVet explains:

“Our collaboration with StreetLink has been impactful, ensuring that referrals received mentioning a pet come directly to StreetVet for investigation by our Clinical Team. This partnership has not only increased awareness of the vital support we provide for individuals experiencing homelessness with a pet but also allowed us to reach owners who may not have known how to find us before. Together, we’re making a meaningful difference.”

StreetVet’s support ranges from preventive and emergency treatment to providing food, toys, harnesses, blankets, and other essentials — helping owners maintain the companionship that is often central to their resilience and wellbeing.

Case example: Ben* and Cali

One powerful example of this partnership in action involves a referral for an individual named Ben and his dog, Cali. After a member of the public used StreetLink to highlight their situation, StreetVet volunteers conducted an outreach visit. Cali was found to be suffering from several untreated health issues, including a mammary mass requiring surgery.

Thanks to the StreetLink referral, Cali was promptly assessed, treated by a local veterinary practice, and continues to receive care. StreetVet also supports Ben with essential supplies and guidance, ensuring the pair can stay together safely and healthily. This case shows how early intervention through StreetLink can prevent worsening health conditions for both pet and owner.

Broader significance

This collaboration bridges a crucial service gap. Many vulnerable individuals are reluctant to access accommodation or healthcare if it means being separated from their animal companions. By ensuring pets are supported too, StreetLink and StreetVet lower access barriers to services and foster trust between outreach teams and those in need.

The partnership also encourages more meaningful public engagement. When people know their actions can help both a person and their animal companion, they are more likely to make a StreetLink alert and take part in community-led solutions to homelessness.

How you can help

Every action counts. You can support this initiative by:

  • Raising a StreetLink alert: If you see someone sleeping rough, submit an alert and include pet details if visible.
  • Sharing awareness: Tell others about StreetLink and StreetVet’s work so more people understand how to help.
  • Collaborating locally: If you work in housing, outreach, or animal welfare, explore partnership opportunities with StreetLink and StreetVet.

Together, StreetLink and StreetVet are reshaping how services respond to homelessness — proving that small, thoughtful innovations can create meaningful, lasting change.

*Please note: Names have been changed.

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