I have been living in temporary accommodation for 12 years and have moved through 5 different properties during this time. My family consists of 3 disabled children who have ADHD and ASD, and they heavily rely on therapeutic sessions with their owned horses as well as their therapy dog at home.

Unfortunately, we are preparing for our 6th move, and we are faced with a "No pets" policy at our new temporary accommodation. This means our therapy dog, who is not just a pet but an essential support for my children’s emotional and social well-being, would not be allowed to move with us.

This situation places us at risk of losing the council duty of care for homelessness. The presence of our therapy dog is crucial for my children's mental health and stability. Without her, transitioning to a new home becomes significantly more challenging and distressing. This could lead to a deterioration in their condition, impacting their ability to cope with daily life.

In the UK, therapy dogs are recognized for their role in improving mental health for individuals with disabilities, reducing stress, and enhancing physical health. It's essential that these needs are acknowledged within temporary housing policies. According to Pets as Therapy, dogs specifically contribute to a person’s overall physical, social, and emotional well-being, which aligns with the needs of my family.

We urge housing authorities to reconsider and amend their policies concerning pets in temporary accommodations. By allowing therapy dogs, they can facilitate a more stable and supportive environment for families like mine, who are navigating the complex challenges of disabilities and homelessness.

Please sign this petition to help make therapy dogs accessible in temporary housing and ensure families can maintain crucial support systems during times of transition. Your support can bring about a much-needed change that will make temporary housing more inclusive and compassionate.