Wagging tails, warm coats and a safe place to call home: two much-loved dogs are helping shine a light on how BCP Council and StreetVet are changing the picture for people facing homelessness.
At a time when fewer than 1 in 10 accommodation providers accept pets, too many people are forced into an impossible choice: find somewhere safe to sleep or stay with the companion who brings comfort, routine and a steady paw on difficult days. For people like Kim, that meant choosing safety only if Mork and Mindy could be by her side.
BCP Council is working with partners, including StreetVet, to make sure much‑loved pets are never a barrier to support; they’re recognised as part of the family.
Recent changes to BCP Council’s approach mean that temporary accommodation is now accessible for people with pets, removing one of the biggest obstacles people face when trying to find safety.
The council is also encouraging people to seek help as early as possible so problems can be resolved before homelessness happens and before temporary accommodation is ever needed.
Kim’s story shows what’s possible when services work together so people and their pets can find safety, stability and a home.
Kim’s two dogs, Mork and Mindy, affectionate, energetic Jack Russell-Dachshund crosses, have been her constant source of comfort through the hardest years of her life. “They’re my family,” she says. “People told me to give them up. I said no. I persevered, and here I am.”
After three extremely difficult years, including periods of sleeping rough, Kim is now settling into a permanent home for life thanks to support from BCP Council and other partners.
StreetVet, a national charity that provides free veterinary care and support for those experiencing homelessness with a pet, will continue providing free veterinary care for the next year, plus pet food for the first six months while the family settles in.
Kim’s journey wasn’t easy. “There was a point I was sleeping in a car park,” she recalls. “Two friends I met on the streets looked after me, they made me sleep in the middle, one either side, to try to keep me safe.”
Finding somewhere that accepted dogs was one of the biggest barriers. “There were times I stayed outside because I couldn’t leave them,” she says. “But I wasn’t giving up on them.”
That changed when BCP Council placed Kim into pet‑friendly temporary accommodation, removing the fear of being separated from Mork and Mindy.
With support from Routes to Roots and BCP Council’s accommodation teams, she was able to move into a permanent home of her own.
StreetVet: keeping people and their pets together
StreetVet’s team of volunteer vets and vet nurses in Bournemouth first met Kim whilst she was in temporary accommodation and have since provided vaccinations, parasite treatments, health checks, coats, leads, toys, food and a 24/7 emergency line. Outreach sessions in Poole and Bournemouth mean Kim can easily collect supplies when needed.
“StreetVet has been amazing. No judgement – just kindness,” Kim says. “Knowing the support carries on for a whole year takes a weight off my mind.”
Founded in 2016 as two vets with backpacks, StreetVet now operates in 30 locations with over 470 volunteer Vet nurses and support staff. Their Accredited Hostel & Day Centre Scheme supports more than 460 pets across 80+ sites, helping nearly 100 people and their animals move into independent living.
Dr Evelyn Maniaki, StreetVet Bournemouth Team Lead, said “No one should have to choose between a safe place to sleep and their best friend. Kim’s bond with Mork and Mindy is incredibly strong, and it carried her through the hardest moments. Being able to help keep them healthy and together is a real privilege. Our team is growing so we can better support the BCP area. Seeing the reassurance and hope our support brings—that’s the real reward.”
Kim is now focusing on making her house a home, choosing flooring, putting up shelves and watching Mork and Mindy finally settle somewhere safe. “The last three years were the worst of my life. Now I can finally look forward… and maybe win the lottery!” she laughs.
Her advice to others in a similar situation:
“Reach out. Keep going. There is support out there. A few months ago, I didn’t think this was possible, but it is.”
Need support?
Anyone worried about losing their home can contact the Homelessness Early Prevention Team via [email protected].
Anyone who may need StreetVet’s help can request support through their simple referral form. Support workers, outreach teams and accommodation providers are encouraged to complete it alongside clients. If you’d like to find out more about StreetVet’s vital work please visit their website, streetvet.org.uk.
