Companion Animal Program

The Companion Animal Program (CAP), started in 2021 at St. Vincent de Paul, has had tremendous impact on the lives of pet owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness and their animals. The CAP program helps care for the basic needs of the pets of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Thousands of individuals in our community are living on the streets. Many have beloved companions, dogs or cats, who often are their only source of safety, love and comfort. 

CAP has helped thousands of owners and pets access resources that keep them safe, sheltered, together and cared for. Since 2021, critical services have included free animal wellness checkups, transportation to appointments, vaccinations, spay/neuter, licensure, food and supplies — all in collaboration with partner animal welfare organizations to avoid redundancies and increase reach and access.

Overall, CAP has helped 2,640 companion animals. 67% of the guests were experiencing homelessness and 33% were housed but experiencing hardship or were part of a government assisted program.

Since CAP originated, SVdP has allowed companion animals to stay with their owners, at our shelters and transitional housing. Approximately 20% of our guests have pets.

In Summer 2024, SVdP opened a new transitional housing building, more than doubling the capacity at our main campus. Housed in the new building is CAP's new 3,000 sq ft Marion and Bob Auray Companion Animal Clinic, which will provide care for the pets of guests and neighbors in need.