Many individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity rely on the companionship, emotional support, and stability that their animals provide. This training, led by My Dog Is My Home—a national advocacy organization dedicated to co-sheltering—will equip housing and service providers with the knowledge and tools to better support clients who have companion animals. Participants will learn how to create more inclusive, trauma-informed, and legally sound services for people and their pets through the following key topics:

• The importance of the human-animal bond in the context of homelessness and recovery

• Understanding reasonable accommodations and assistance animal protections under fair housing law

• Strategies for addressing animal behavior concerns in a supportive, client-centered way

• How to identify and collaborate with animal welfare partners

• Additional resources to help providers implement co-sheltering approaches and strengthen client outcomes

This session is ideal for supportive housing providers, case managers, shelter staff, and others working at the intersection of housing, mental health, and human-animal relationships.