No One Left Outside - Because Pets Are Family, Not a Barrier

For almost a decade, Street Paws has been standing up for people and pets facing homelessness. 

We meet people in the toughest moments of their lives - on the streets, in hostels, escaping harm, rebuilding after trauma. And one thing is always clear: a pet isn’t an extra. A pet is family. 

But across the UK, many people are still being told ‘no pets allowed’ when they try to access temporary accommodation or social housing. 

For someone who is homeless, this can feel impossible. Their dog might be their protection at night. Their cat might be their comfort in the hardest moments. Some people even choose to stay on the streets rather than be separated from the animal they love. 

That’s why we launched our campaign:

What are we trying to change? 

In 2026, the government will refresh the Social Housing Consumer Standards - the guidance that social landlords follow when managing tenancies and placing people into homes. 

This is a rare chance to make pet-inclusive housing part of the rules that landlords follow. 

We’re asking for one simple thing to be recognised: 

If it’s safe, it should be allowed. If it helps someone stay in their home, it should be supported. 

Other parts of housing already use this idea, that landlords shouldn’t refuse pets without a good reason. We want temporary housing to have the same fairness. 

Why does it matter? 

This matters because refusing pets doesn’t just affect animals, it directly affects people’s housing outcomes. When someone is told they cannot bring their pet, they may turn down accommodation altogether, remain homeless for longer, or leave placements early and return to the streets. The cycle repeats, causing further harm, instability, and cost.

Keeping people and pets together changes that story. When pets are supported, more people are able to stay in housing. Fewer tenancies break down. People feel safer, less isolated, and better able to cope. Mental health and wellbeing improve, and homelessness can be prevented rather than prolonged.

This isn’t theory - it’s what we see every single day at Street Paws.

How you can help 

Here are 4 simple ways to get behind No One Left Outside: 

1. Share the message - talk about the campaign on social media or with your networks: Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn 

2. Stand with us - lend your voice, send us a short clip of your support 

3. Make introductions - connect us with housing leaders, decision-makers, or policy voices 

4. Join the movement - sign up to support when the 2026 consultations open 

The bigger picture 

This campaign isn’t just about pets. 

It’s about: 

• Fairness 

• Safety 

• Family 

• Belonging 

• And breaking a cycle that never needed to exist 

A future where No One Is Left Outside means a housing system that works for real lives, not against them. 

Because the people who need stable housing most are often the ones whose pets matter most. 

Be part of the change 

If you believe that: 

• Pets are family 

• No one should be asked to choose between safety and their companion 

• And homelessness support should include pets when it’s safe to do so… 

Then this campaign is for you. 

Let’s make 2026 the year we change the standard - and the year No One Left Outside becomes more than a campaign. It becomes the norm.