Supporting people and their pets

At St Petrocs, we recognise the vital emotional support and companionship that pets provide.

In 2025, we supported 1,504 people experiencing homelessness, alongside more than 50 pets who came with them.

For many people, the thought of giving up a pet in order to find somewhere safe to live is impossible. We recognise that pets are an important part of many families, which is why we provide pet-friendly services.

The challenge of experiencing homelessness with a pet

Many housing options do not allow pets, creating a significant barrier for people who suddenly find themselves without a home. Choosing between a loved pet and a safe place to stay can lead to stress, isolation and people delaying seeking support altogether.

We often support people fleeing dangerous situations with the pet that has been their constant source of comfort and security. For some, their dog is their only remaining connection to family and stability.

Pets can provide essential emotional support, companionship and routine during incredibly difficult times. Many people experiencing homelessness have been through traumatic situations alongside their pets, strengthening that bond even further.

Finding somewhere safe to sleep can also become more complicated when you have a pet. Sofa surfing or sleeping in a car is far more difficult when you need space not only for yourself, but also for your pet and everything they need.

Caring for a pet whilst experiencing homelessness can place additional financial pressure on people already struggling to meet their own basic needs, including the cost of food, bedding and veterinary care.

How we support people and pets

At St Petrocs, our services are pet-friendly because we never want someone to have to choose between safety and their pet.

We provide support through:

Outreach and resource centres

Our services provide essential items including dog beds, blankets and pet food. We also connect people with services such as StreetVet, who offer free veterinary care.

Supported Accommodation

Our supported accommodation is pet-friendly. We work to place people in suitable housing that can accommodate their pets and connect them with additional support services and funding where needed.

When residents are ready to move on, we continue to seek pet-friendly accommodation, recognising the important role pets play in wellbeing, recovery and stability.

Laura & Fizzy's experience

Laura and Fizzy came to St Petrocs after Laura faced a relationship breakdown and periods of instability. When she was offered a place at St Petrocs, it became a turning point in trying to rebuild her life.

After moving in, Laura found it hard being separated from the family life she once had. During this time, she knew Fizzy was more than just a pet - she was her constant connection to the life she felt so far away from.

“I really needed Fizzy. She’s been through everything with me. She helped get me on the right path and gives me purpose on days when I don’t have one. Fizzy gave me the comfort and connection I was missing.”

Changes in the law

While St Petrocs works hard to provide pet-friendly accommodation, wider housing policies also play an important role in removing barriers for people with pets.

From 1 May 2026, changes to the Renters’ Rights legislation give private renters a stronger basis to request permission to keep pets in rented accommodation. However, this does not apply to social housing tenants and landlords may still refuse requests where it is reasonable to do so.

The legislation is expected to improve flexibility for renters with pets and help reduce some of the barriers people face when looking for accommodation.

We welcome these changes and hope they will have a positive impact for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Conclusion

At St Petrocs, we will continue working to ensure that people and their pets can stay together while accessing the support they need. Because for many people experiencing homelessness, keeping that bond intact can make a meaningful difference on the journey towards stability and a place to call home.

Our pet-friendly support is only possible thanks to our partners at StreetVet and RSPCA, as well as the generosity of our funders at the Gerrick Rose Trust and our supporters.

Latest

Supporting people and their pets

At St Petrocs, we recognise the vital emotional support and companionship that pets provide.
Bishop Fleming - Truro

In the Truro office, we’re supporting St Petrocs, due to the essential support they provide in aid of those who are homeless or at risk, offering accommodation, outreach, and personalised help with health, employment, and finding long-term housing.

By fundraising, we’re seeking to help them to continue this vital work and support more people in building safer, more stable lives.
Prince William visits St Petrocs at Nansledan to mark progress on homes tackling homelessness in Cornwall
Tregothnan Private Garden Open Weekend raises £70,000 for St Petrocs

We’re incredibly grateful to share that St Petrocs was supported by Tregothnan’s Private Garden Open Weekend in April 2026, raising £70,000 towards our work to end homelessness in Cornwall.

Useful Donations

We have a specific range of items that are most useful to us to ensure that we have the most appropriate items to suit the individual circumstances of our clients.
How we help people

Our ambition is to end homelessness in Cornwall. We have developed strategic objectives focused on four areas which contribute to achieving our mission: preventing homelessness, making homelessness an exception, making the experience of homelessness short and supporting people out of homelessness for good.
Homelessness in Cornwall

Cornwall has long had a shortage of affordable housing. Housing supply for local people continues to be squeezed with more and more properties being used as holiday accommodation.
Our history

St Petrocs has been working with people experiencing homelessness in Cornwall since 1986 years. Find out more about our history.
Accommodation

We have 24 houses with 166 bed spaces across Cornwall. Find out more about our Supported Accommodation and information on how to get a room.
Resource Centres

We have two resource centres in Cornwall, one in City Road Truro, and the Breadline Centre, Penzance. These centres offer those who are at risk of, or currently sleeping rough, support to find accommodation, alongside general advice and access to essential supplies.
Steve Ellis

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Steve Ellis. Whilst Steve had been very unwell, his passing has come as a shock to us all.
Other ways to give

Easyfundraising and using our Amazon Wishlist are some of the simplest ways to raise money for St Petrocs. Every time you buy something online you could also be raising money for us at the check out.
Make a donation

Thank you for choosing to support St Petrocs. We believe that everyone should have a safe and secure place to call home. Your support will enable us to provide essential services for people experiencing homelessness in Cornwall.
Making a Difference

The impact of our work has the power to transform lives and communities. Could you help us?