PAWS Pet Kennel Expansion Coming in 2025
The Samaritan Inn is excited to announce the 2025 expansion of PAWS, our pet kennel service. This expansion will allow us to support more dogs, add housing for cats, and enhance the overall space for our residents’ pets.
In addition to being the largest comprehensive homeless shelter that houses single men as well as women and children, The Samaritan Inn is one of the only homeless programs in Texas that provides on-site pet kennels for residents to utilize on our 15-acre campus. According to a study conducted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 22% of individuals experiencing homelessness indicated they avoided seeking services at local shelters because “they don’t accept my pet.”
Approximately 10% of people experiencing homelessness do so with service animals, emotional support animals, or companion animals. It is our firm belief that animal companionship contributes to overall emotional well-being, and research shows that the bond between individuals experiencing homelessness and their pets is not only profound but also life-changing—one that offers comfort and a sense of purpose. Despite the benefits that pets provide, there remains a critical lack of pet-friendly shelters and services in North Texas, hindering access to essential resources and services that can help individuals rebuild their lives.
PAWS (Pets Are Welcome to Stay) is a unique and vital component of our transitional housing program. For over 15 years, we have offered accommodations for dogs with essential services including on-site kennels, pet food, and veterinary care.
Our campaign goal of $600,000 will allow for an expansion including 1,244 sq. ft. of dedicated space, only 150 feet away from The Samaritan Inn. This more comprehensive kennel building will accommodate up to 28 pets—16 dogs and 12 cats—nearly tripling our current capacity and allowing us to serve more families. The new structure will feature enhanced outdoor play areas where pets and owners can exercise and socialize, indoor water and bathing stations to maintain their health and cleanliness, and additional amenities such as laundry services to increase owners’ time with their pets.
By expanding our capacity, we can provide a crucial lifeline for more individuals who rely on their pets for emotional stability and companionship. This initiative will directly contribute to our mission of supporting individuals and families on their path to stability, offering them the dignity and comfort of knowing their pets are safe.