San Diego Animal Shelter Gathering Garments for Homeless Pets

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego County Animal Services has launched its “Paw It Forward” campaign, under which warm sweaters and coats are collected for the pets of homeless people.

County Animal Services's central location, at 5480 Gaines St. San Diego, is accepting donations of new and used pet sweaters and jackets now through Friday, Dec. 30.

Every year, Animal Services takes part in Project Homeless Connect, an event that offers a wide array of services to the local homeless population. Dozens of dogs and cats show up with their homeless owners.

County Animal Services gives the animals brief check-ups, vaccinations, licenses and microchips but they’d like to offer a warm, fuzzy sweater or coat for these animals, too.

This “Paw It Forward” campaign would help the homeless pets stay warm during the cold winter months.
“We know the homeless will be getting a number of services but we want to make sure their pets get some attention, too,” said County Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson. “The homeless often take better care of their pets than they do of themselves.”

About 400 pet sweaters and coats were distributed and County Animal Services hopes to gather even more this year. There’s a special need for medium, large and extra-large sweaters but any size is welcome.

The Project Homeless Connect event takes place Wednesday, Jan. 25 at Golden Hall in San Diego. For more information, contact Animal Services at (619) 767-2675.

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