A new initiative gives pet owners in need 60 days of free pet care.

Golden Valley, Minnesota (FOX 9) - Dogs, cats, and even a mated pair of pigeons have a temporary home at the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley for the time being. However, once these animals have been adopted into their forever homes, the charity wants to ensure that they remain there by providing them with a new resource.

When their owner is experiencing homelessness, eviction, or another emergency, the Humane Society just developed a temporary pet housing program that allows pets to get up to 60 days of free accommodation and veterinary treatment, including sterilizations and immunizations.

Our neighbors are in desperate need of assistance now more than ever. According to Anne Gass, rescue relations manager at the Animal Humane Society, there are people who are struggling with financial difficulties, career changes, and all kinds of things.

When people are going through difficult circumstances, they turn to their family for support, which includes their dogs.

PetSmart Charities provided a $125,000 donation to make the program possible.

Housing is one of the most common causes for pet surrender. With Minnesota's rental aid program having recently closed and the eviction moratorium set to expire in June, Gass believes the service will be needed.

We predict that the requirement will become even more in the coming months, she said.

This isn't a long-term doggy daycare, make no mistake. Local social assistance agencies will refer owners who are eligible for the program.

Those organizations would be able to spot the pet need as part of the screening process and recommend those individuals to AHS, according to Gass.

The program is open to all animals, not just dogs and cats. AHS can also assist owners of guinea pigs, rabbits, and a wide range of other animals.

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