Resources to Keep Your Pet

Young woman using laptop and cute cat sitting on keyboard.

You Have Options

From financial struggles to family changes and housing insecurity, there are so many circumstances that can make keeping a pet difficult. But we believe loving pet owners shouldn’t have to lose their furry family members. If you are struggling to care for your pet, we have a host of resources to help.

Bridge the Gap Program

Our Bridge the Gap program supports pet owners in crisis. With the help of our community support  coordinator, we can help pet parents navigate the abundant resources in Maricopa County and help keep beloved pets in their forever homes. Do any of the statements below apply to you? 

  • I’m struggling to pay for rent and/or utilities.
  • I’m struggling to pay for food for my pet.
  • I’m struggling to meet my pet’s basic needs.
  • I’m elderly (65+) and having difficulties caring for my pet.
  • I’m in a dangerous situation and need help getting myself and my pet to a safe place.
  • I lost my job and am unable to care for my pet.
  • I am struggling with my own health/mental health and it is impacting my ability to care for my pet.

If so, we may be able to help. Apply to Bridge the Gap, or contact us for more information.

Keeping Pets with Their People

We’re on a mission to keep pets in loving homes. What do you need help with?

  • Assistance with Rent, Utilities and Other Financial Hardships

  • Please see our Eviction, Rent and Utility Assistance Resource Sheet.

  • Assistance with Pet Food

  • Please see our Pet Food Assistance Resource Sheet.

  • Finding a Food Bank

  • Please see our Arizona Food Banks Resource Sheet.

  • Domestic Violence Resources

  • Please see our Domestic Violence Resource Sheet.

  • Additional Help for Pet Owners in Crisis

  • For more assistance, please see these resources:

  • Veterinary Services and Assistance

  • Making veterinary care affordable is a core part of our mission. If you need financial assistance, we may be able to use grant funds to partially or fully cover the cost of your pet’s treatment. To apply for financial assistance, please bring a completed Veterinary Services Assistance Application to your appointment. Please note that financial assistance is not guaranteed, and a deposit must be made to schedule your appointment.

    For additional veterinary support from other organizations, please see our Veterinary Assistance Resource Sheet.

  • Finding Pet-friendly Housing

  • Please see our guides on Conducting a Successful Housing Search and Renting Successfully with Pets.

  • Dealing with Pet Allergies

  • If someone in your home has been diagnosed with pet allergies, it may be possible to manage the symptoms without having to give up your pet. Here are a few tips to try: 

    • Minimize contact with the animal and create pet-free areas, such as the bedroom.
    • Clean floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture regularly.
    • Place a high efficiency particulate air purifier (HEPA) in the home, in addition to filters on vents.
    • Enlist the help of non-allergy-suffering family members to care for the pets.
    • Frequently wash clothing and bedding materials, including the pet’s bed.
    • Frequently bathe and groom the family pet.
    • Consider removing upholstered furniture and draperies; replace carpeting with hard flooring that won’t harbor hair and other allergens.

    Other options may include immunotherapy (allergy shots) and/or steroidal and antihistamine nose sprays or medication. Consult with your physician and/or allergist to determine the best course of action for your family to live happily with your family pet.

  • Pet Behavior Issues

  • If you’re considering rehoming your pet due to behavior problems, we can help:

    • We offer Dog Training Classes—including group classes and private consultations—to help your pup (of any age) learn proper manners
    • We also offer cat behavior consultations to address litter box problems, biting, scratching, fear and more. Contact us for more information.
    • And we have a host of training tips and behavior resources on our Pet Behavior Tips page!
  • Cats and Pregnancy

  • Many expectant mothers question if they should give up the family cat due to concerns about toxoplasmosis. Because it’s difficult for cats to transmit toxoplasmosis to humans, a pregnant woman is generally unlikely to contract the disease from her pet cat.

    For more information, please see our Cats, Pregnancy and Toxoplasmosis info sheet. We also recommend these articles:

young man holds dog

Rehoming Your Pet

We know that sometimes, keeping a pet just isn’t possible. If you need to find a new home for your pet, we’re here for you.

Surrender Your Pet