A Logan family slept in their car with their children and puppy because available crisis accommodation would not accept the dog.
They would not surrender their pet — a dilemma Logan homelessness service YFS says is widespread.
YFS client service manager – homelessness and housing programs Camila Aldred said: “We know some people would rather stay in their car or sleep rough than be separated from their pet, and that’s understandable”.
“It’s not uncommon and is one of the biggest barriers to housing we see.”
“Most emergency accommodation options such as hotels and motels don’t accept animals. Pet boarding can be expensive and out of reach for someone already experiencing financial and housing stress,” Ms Aldred said.
“That can leave people facing an incredibly difficult choice between finding somewhere safe to stay and being separated from a pet they love and see as family.”
YFS housing teams helped 2690 individuals, families and young people in 2025–26; how many had pets is unknown.
“For our clients, knowing that their pet is safe and well cared for can be a huge relief and give them the breathing room to focus on finding safe, stable accommodation,” Ms Aldred said.
“Ultimately, we need more pet-friendly housing and emergency accommodation options.”
Logan Village nonprofit Common Ground Canine cared for the puppy while the family accessed crisis accommodation. Thirteen days later, they secured a rental and collected their dog.
Common Ground Canine co-founder Adrienne Lyons said her organisation provided crisis accommodation for pets.
Common Ground Canine funds its crisis care program through paid daycare, boarding and grooming. Since referrals began in August, it had provided more than 200 cumulative days of care by early November.
Four of five reserved crisis care spaces were occupied, with four additional potential cases awaiting places or referrals.
“We’re almost at capacity at the moment and I still have people contacting me and I’ve got a wait list,” Ms Lyons said.
She said separation carried risks too.
“One of the hardest things that I find is if someone is in crisis and they need help with their dog, is it going to be the best decision to separate them or is that going to trigger a further crisis for the human or even the dog?” Ms Lyons said.
“Temporary pet care isn’t a solution to the housing crisis.
“What people really need is access to safe, affordable, pet-friendly housing and accommodation.”
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