The homeless and their pets are being left out in the cold, as only five shelters in Cardiff are able to offer dog friendly accommodation this winter.
For many who are homeless, dogs offer security and friendship. But Lynsey Alston from Dogs Trust UK says “unfortunately only 8% of UK hostels are dog friendly.”
![For many sleeping on the streets, a dog really is man's best friend. [Photograph by Isabel Hutchinson]](https://cardiffjournalism.co.uk/altcardiff/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2014/10/nologo_1_Big_dog_aj.jpg)
As only a handful of Cardiff shelters offer pet friendly rooms and free and subsidised vet care, these services are in high demand. The recession has led to large funding cuts for charities and pet friendly projects at Cardiff shelters.
Corina Churchlow from YMCA HA Cardiff claims that all three of their pet friendly rooms are currently full, meaning that many homeless dog owners will be sleeping rough this winter with their beloved pets.