In 2019, California established the Pet Assistance and Support (PAS) program, which provided shelters and service providers with the necessary funding to accommodate pets. California disbursed $15.75 million in PAS funds to 61 sites across the state, enabling them to open their doors to 489 unhoused pet owners, on average, annually. HPRI analyzed spending and outcome reports from 2020-2024, finding increased access to shelter among pet owners, substantial provision of pet healthcare, and 886 exits to permanent housing (approx. 20% of program participants). Grantees spent PAS funds on items like pet food and supplies, veterinary services, crates, kennels, infrastructure improvements, vaccinations, insurance, and staffing.
This report draws on quantitative spending and service data from 2020–2024, as well as qualitative interviews with PAS awardee organizations, to examine how PAS funds were implemented and how providers experienced the program. This report highlights the role of pet-inclusive policies in expanding access to housing and services and offers insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to build a more inclusive homelessness response.