Arizona opinion: The overlooked solution in Tucson’s shelter crisis

Tucson, like many cities, faces a growing homelessness crisis. Amid the challenges, one factor often goes overlooked: nearly 20% of individuals experiencing homelessness have pets. For these residents, pets are more than companions — they are family, and often the only source of stability, protection, and unconditional love. Yet many current systems force people to choose between accessing help for themselves or staying with their pets. It’s a heartbreaking choice no one should have to face.

At The Arizona Pet Project (AZPP), we believe partnerships are the key to solving this challenge. When human service organizations, animal welfare groups, and local communities come together, families — including their pets — can remain intact.

Thanks to a grant from the state of Arizona and additional funding from the City of Tucson, AZPP expanded services in Tucson in 2023. These funds allow us to provide veterinary care, support in accessing shelter and housing, case management, and temporary boarding. Tucson resident Stacy Lemmert is one example: battling both mental and physical health challenges, she was able to get urgent care for her service dog, Dune, thanks to AZPP’s support. For Stacy, the assistance was more than medical care — it kept her family together.

Partnerships magnify this impact. Our collaborations with organizations such as Besty BNB — a platform connecting pets in need with vetted caregivers — allow people in crisis, including survivors of domestic violence, to seek safety without sacrificing the bond with their pets. In Tucson, this partnership has been essential for residents who might otherwise delay leaving unsafe situations for fear of losing their companion animals.

We are also working with Primavera and OPCS, to provide resources, supplies, veterinary care, and support for the City of Tucson’s newest project, STAR Village, ensuring senior women experiencing homelessness can remain with their pets.

These collaborations are more than compassionate — they are effective. Research shows that one in five individuals experiencing homelessness will refuse shelter if their pet cannot accompany them. Conversely, when pets are welcomed, people are far more likely to accept help and begin rebuilding their lives. By embedding veterinary social workers and support services within trusted Tucson agencies, we help families stay together, stabilize their situations, and access the resources needed for long-term success.

The human-animal bond is a powerful stabilizing force. It motivates individuals to seek care, adhere to treatment plans, and engage with community services. By addressing both human and animal needs simultaneously, we break down barriers that might otherwise prevent people from seeking help.

At AZPP, we are proud to lead alongside Besty BNB, Primavera, Pima Animal Care Center, OPCS, and other Tucson-based partners. But meaningful change will require a citywide commitment — service providers, funders, and community leaders working together to make pet-inclusive practices the standard, not the exception.

When people in Tucson face a crisis, they should never have to choose between their safety and the love of their pets. Through collaboration, innovation, and dedication, we can ensure that families remain whole, bonds are preserved, and residents have the support they need to rebuild their lives— with their pets by their side.