The Arizona Pet Project has secured a $30,000 grant from Dignity Health to enhance services for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the Chandler-Mesa area. The funding, part of the 2026 Community Health Improvement Grants program, will support initiatives that allow individuals to keep their pets while accessing essential services like housing and healthcare.
Research indicates that many people facing homelessness will forgo shelter accommodations if their pets aren’t allowed. To address this, the Arizona Pet Project employs Veterinary Social Workers—the only ones of their kind in the state—who are trained to cater to both human and animal needs.
The grant will enable the organization to place these social workers at partner agencies such as Lost Our Home Pet Rescue and UMOM New Day Centers. Services offered will include needs assessments, stabilization plans, and assistance with pet-related shelter requirements like vaccinations and deposits. Lost Our Home Pet Rescue will also provide temporary care for pets, allowing their owners to focus on recovery.
CEO Leanna Taylor emphasized the importance of this support, highlighting how it fosters stability for individuals in need while maintaining the critical bond with their pets. Through this initiative, Arizona Pet Project aims to assist 100 individuals in the Chandler-Mesa area, with a target of 90% reporting increased stability following the services provided.
This project builds upon ongoing partnerships aimed at reducing barriers to housing and healthcare services that pets often create.
