Key Points
- Street Paws hosted a parliamentary reception for its ‘No One Left Outside’ campaign
- The campaign focuses on improving access to housing and homelessness support for people with pets
- Supporters included vets, welfare organisations, campaigners and MPs
- Marc Abraham OBE and Andrew Hale from Pet Remedy
- Campaigners say people should not have to give up companion animals to access accommodation
Street Paws has brought its ‘No One Left Outside’ campaign to the Houses of Parliament, calling for more pet-inclusive approaches to homelessness services and housing support.
The parliamentary reception took place on 19 May and brought together animal welfare organisations, vets, campaigners and housing advocates to discuss the barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness who have companion animals.
According to Street Paws, some people are currently forced to choose between accepting accommodation or remaining with their pet because certain hostels or support services do not allow animals.
Campaign Focuses on Pet-Inclusive Support
The campaign is calling for clearer guidance and wider adoption of pet-inclusive approaches within homelessness services, temporary accommodation and social housing support.
Street Paws says the aim is to make pet-friendly support “the norm, not the exception.”
Images shared from the event showed campaign messaging focused on preventing separation between people and their animals during periods of housing insecurity and crisis.
The organisation states that companion animals can provide emotional support, routine and stability for people facing homelessness or hardship.
Support From Across the Welfare Sector
The parliamentary reception drew support from across the animal welfare and behaviour sector, including vet and campaigner Marc Abraham OBE and behavioural expert Andrew Hale, who attended representing Pet Remedy.
Campaigners, welfare advocates and industry professionals used the event to raise awareness of the challenges some people face when trying to access accommodation while caring for companion animals.
The campaign is also linked to an official UK Parliament petition calling for stronger support for people experiencing homelessness who have pets.
Links to Wider Housing Reform
Campaigners are encouraging policymakers to consider how housing systems and support services can better accommodate people with companion animals.
The issue is increasingly being discussed alongside wider housing reform and recent changes connected to the Renters’ Rights Act.
According to guidance linked to the legislation, landlords in the private rented sector should not unreasonably refuse requests from tenants wanting to keep pets.
Campaigners say similar conversations are needed within parts of the homelessness and social housing system.
What This Means for Dog Guardians
- Some homelessness accommodation services may still restrict pets
- Campaigners are pushing for more pet-inclusive support systems
- Companion animals are increasingly recognised as important sources of emotional support
- The issue is gaining attention within Parliament and the wider welfare sector
- Housing and homelessness policy discussions may increasingly include pet-inclusive considerations
About Street Paws
Street Paws is a UK charity supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship alongside their pets. The organisation provides outreach support, veterinary assistance, pet supplies and advocacy work aimed at improving access to services for people with companion animals.
The charity’s ‘No One Left Outside’ campaign is currently encouraging public support through awareness campaigns and a UK Parliament petition.
Sign the petition and help Street Paws
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/753095
For dog guardians renting privately, the discussion also follows major changes introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act. Yappily recently explained what the new pet rules mean for tenants, landlords and companion animals across England.”
Read more: New UK Pet Rules From 1 May 2026 Explained for Dog Guardians
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