High Priority gap

Too few shelter options welcome pets.

Pet ownership remains a documented barrier to some shelter and housing options, even as Stockton adds low-barrier capacity designed to keep people with their companion animals.

5 sources 2 organizations Confidence: medium Gap assessment updated Aug 22, 2026

Why this gap gets stuck

Need keeps entering the system

San Joaquin County's 2024 survey found 34% of unhoused respondents had a pet, and 45% of pet-owning respondents had two or more pets.

Available pathways narrow

Pet restrictions in some shelter and housing settings. Limited pet-inclusive shelter and transitional capacity. Multiple pets can make placement harder. Need for pet food, veterinary care, crates, and other support infrastructure. Fear of separation from companion animals.

The gap persists

The 2026 homelessness count added a specific question to measure whether pets are preventing people from entering shelter.

Crossover's work

What we're doing

We're reviewing evidence, investigating unmet needs, and documenting what happens when we take action.

Who's responding

Organizations working on this gap.

St. Mary's Community ServicesLow-barrier shelter and housing support designed to accommodate people with pets, partners, family, or belongings.Visit their website Stockton Street DogsStreet-level animal support for unhoused people and their companion animals.Visit their website

What can I do right now?

Here are the most useful ways to help right now.

Signs of change

Recent updates show where things are improving.

Sources & evidence

Sources and evidence5 sources inform this gap, including local reports, organizational updates, and news coverage.