PetCo Place

On Monday, August 4, 2008, PAWS/LA officially opened PETCO PLACE—a groundbreaking project that will allow pet-owning homeless individuals access to emergency shelter and support services without having to part with their companion animal—in Hollywood, California. This unique “shelter-within-a-shelter”, sponsored in large part by The PetCo Foundation, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. PETCO PLACE is located on the property of People Assisting the Homeless (PATH)—a homeless shelter in Hollywood.

The inspiration for PETCO PLACE grew out of the challenges encountered by PAWS/LA clients who, when faced with homelessness, had nowhere to turn that would accept them AND their animal. And while, PAWS/LA can provide a temporary foster home for the animal, most clients would rather live in their cars, or on the street if it means being able to keep their animal with them. And they are not alone. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, “between five and ten percent of homeless people have dogs and/or cats, and finding any kind of shelter for those with pets is nearly impossible.” When forced to make a choice between their pet and a roof over their head, homeless individuals usually choose to remain with their animal.

In an effort to create a solution that would keep animals and their guardians together, PAWS/LA approached PATH to propose the idea of designing a space to accommodate the animals of homeless individuals while they were in residence at PATH/Hollywood.

The Petco Foundation has been a supporter of PAWS/LA and its work since the Foundation’s inception in 1999. PAWS/LA Executive Director Pamela Magette noted: “The generosity of the PetCo Foundation has allowed us to break new ground in helping animal companions remain with their guardians. We hope this project will be the first of many to address this important need, and allow more people to maintain the vital support their animals can provide.

Other PETCO PLACE benefactors include: The City of West Hollywood; The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation; The Home Depot; LegalZoom.com; and other community members.