Program
Companion Animal Program
St. Vincent de Paul's Companion Animal Program strives to keep pet owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness safe, together and sheltered with their pets.
The Society of Pets and People Cared For
The Companion Animal Program (CAP), started in 2021 at St. Vincent de Paul, has had tremendous impact on the lives of pet owners experiencing or at risk of homelessness and their animals. The CAP program helps care for the basic needs of the pets of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Thousands of individuals in our community are living on the streets. Many have beloved companions, dogs or cats, who often are their only source of safety, love and comfort.
CAP has helped thousands of owners and pets access resources that keep them safe, sheltered, together and cared for. Since 2021, critical services have included free animal wellness checkups, transportation to appointments, vaccinations, spay/neuter, licensure, food and supplies — all in collaboration with partner animal welfare organizations to avoid redundancies and increase reach and access.
Overall, CAP has served more than 2,600 companion animals—with 67% belonging to individuals experiencing homelessness and 33% to families facing economic hardship.
Since CAP originated, SVdP has allowed companion animals to stay with their owners, at our shelters and transitional housing. Approximately 20% of our guests have pets.
In Summer 2025, SVdP opened the Marion and Bob Auray Companion Animal Clinic on main campus to aid in CAP's delivery of care to the pets of SVdP's shelter residents. In the future, the clinic will expand its services to care for companion animals of those at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the general community.
By the numbers
Services
Thanks to generous community support, our pet pantries operated out of our Valley dining rooms, transitional housing programs and emergency shelter, offer guests access to vital supplies ranging from pet food and leashes to crates and dog booties.
In partnership with animal welfare organizations like the Arizona Humane Society, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, Heidi’s Village, and Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine, SVdP helps to provide access to veterinary care, vaccinations, pet licensing, microchipping and much more for the pets of those experiencing homelessness. SVdP hosts pet wellness clinics on our campus to give those we serve access to the services of our community partners.
The Marion and Bob Auray Companion Animal Clinic located at SVdP's main campus in Phoenix began a phased opening in summer 2025 to offer basic veterinary care to the pets of residents living in SVdP's transitional housing programs and emergency shelter.
The new facility features three examination rooms, a grooming room, a dog and cat ward, a pet pantry room, and a treatment room. It provides routine wellness checkups—including vaccinations, microchipping, grooming, and other essential veterinary services—all at no cost to residents. Services are provided by a rotating team of dedicated volunteer veterinarians, and appointments are required.
CAP also supports individuals ending their homelessness with costs associated with their companion animal like pet deposits, transitional housing support and fostering or re-homing support.
Locations
Learn more about our Companion Animal Program locations around the Valley
Marion and Bob Auray Companion Animal Clinic
Phoenix, 85003
Mesa Dining Room
Mesa, 85210
Phoenix Dining Room
Phoenix, 85007
NextPhase Family Dining Room
Phoenix, 85003
