Domestic violence, cancer, catastrophic injuries, the sudden death of a loved one – these types of challenges can devastate even the strongest of families. Too often, those facing what may feel like insurmountable obstacles are left so depleted, emotionally and financially, that they have nothing left for their pets. Unfortunately, countless dogs and cats are abandoned or surrendered to already overcrowded municipal shelters annually by their heartbroken owners, who’ve simply become too overwhelmed by their circumstances to seek alternative measures. Animals that end up on the street after being in a home are confused and frightened and are unable to survive for long without human companionship. Pets turned over to city shelters usually don’t fare any better; if not adopted within a few weeks – or sometimes even days – they’re euthanized at taxpayer expense.
Animals play an important role in so many families, and when a beloved pet is abandoned or surrendered during a time of crisis, its loss can compound an already difficult situation. It’s the mission of Share Our Space Fosters for Pets in Need, Inc. d/b/a SOS Fosters for Pets in Need, a Texas non-profit charitable organization (EIN 81-5259022), to assist our friends and neighbors during particularly stressful times so that they can weather the storms they are facing without giving up their pets. This mission involves:
Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence. Research reveals that a person with a pet is less likely to leave a physically or emotionally abusive spouse or partner, for fear that the abuser may harm the pet. Those who flee an unsafe situation and are forced to leave their cherished pet behind may suffer anxiety, guilt, and sadness for years to come. SOS Fosters for Pets in Need can arrange for short-term foster care for the pets of victims of domestic violence until people and pets can be safely reunited.
Assistance to Individuals and Families Facing a Health Crisis. When someone is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness or has suffered a debilitating injury, routine tasks like caring for a pet can be exhausting. SOS Fosters for Pets in Need can assist families facing serious health issues by providing short-term foster care or by arranging and paying for dog-walkers, pet sitters, “poop” clean-up services, etc.
Assistance as a “Safety Net.” By rehoming pets who find themselves homeless after their owners have died, become disabled, or moved into skilled nursing facilities, SOS Fosters for Pets in Need serves as a “pet safety net.”
