Program
Companion Animal Program
St. Vincent de Paul's Companion Animal Program strives to keep pet owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness safe, together, and sheltered with their pets.
The Society of Pets and People Cared For
Originating in 2021, SVdP’s Companion Animal Program (CAP) has had a tremendous impact on the lives of pet owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness and their companion animals. For many, these beloved animals are the only source of safety, love, and comfort remaining in their lives.
CAP has helped thousands of owners and pets access resources that keep them safe, sheltered, together, and cared for. Free critical services include wellness checkups, vaccinations, spay and neuter, licensure, food, and supplies— all in collaboration with local animal welfare organizations. Overall, CAP has served more than 3,000 companion animals—with 65% belonging to individuals experiencing homelessness and 35% to families facing economic hardship.
Since CAP began, SVdP has allowed companion animals to stay with their owners at our shelters and transitional housing shelters. Approximately 10% of our guests live with their pets. With access to other SVdP services, this has enabled many experiencing homelessness the opportunity to leave the streets and improve not only their pets but their own lives as well.
In July of 2025, SVdP opened the Marion and Bob Auray Companion Animal Clinic. With the support of volunteer veterinarians, the clinic provides free wellness care to the pets of SVdP's residents and to the companion animals of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In the future, the clinic plans to offer free spay and neuter procedures, and other veterinary services. It is the only animal clinic in the region to offer services to vulnerable populations free of charge.
By the numbers
Services
The Marion and Bob Auray Companion Animal Clinic is located at SVdP's main campus in Phoenix. It began a phased opening in July 2025, offering basic veterinary care to the pets of residents living in SVdP's transitional housing programs and emergency shelter, as well as to the pets of those experiencing homelessness.
The new facility features three examination rooms, a grooming room, a dog and cat ward, a pet pantry room, and a treatment room. It provides free routine wellness checkups—including vaccinations, microchipping, and other essential veterinary services. Services are provided by a rotating team of dedicated volunteer veterinarians, and appointments are required.
In partnership with local animal welfare organizations, including Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, Heidi's Village, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, SVdP's Companion Animal Program helps to provide access to veterinary care, vaccinations, pet licensing, microchipping and much more for the pets of those experiencing homelessness. SVdP hosts pet wellness clinics on our campus to give those we serve access to the services of our community partners.
Thanks to generous community support, our pet pantries operated out of our Valley dining rooms, transitional housing programs and emergency shelter, offer guests access to vital supplies ranging from pet food and leashes to crates and dog booties.
Locations
Learn more about our Companion Animal Program locations around the Valley
Marion and Bob Auray Companion Animal Clinic
Phoenix, 85003
Mesa Dining Room
Mesa, 85210
Phoenix Dining Room
Phoenix, 85007
NextPhase Family Dining Room
Phoenix, 85003
