Fellowship Program Helps Homeless Services Organizations Keep People and Pets Together
By Kendall Jang, Staff Writer
For people experiencing homelessness, entering a shelter or housing program can sometimes mean facing an impossible decision: accept services or stay with a beloved pet. A fellowship opportunity from My Dog Is My Home is helping organizations build a different model.
Applications are now open for the organization’s 2026 Fellowship Program, which supports homeless services providers interested in implementing co-sheltering and co-housing programs that allow people experiencing homelessness to remain with their animal companions.
Selected fellows will visit model pet-inclusive housing programs around the country, where they can participate in facility tours, presentations and interactive sessions focused on best practices. The program also provides a year of quarterly cohort meetings and technical assistance to help participating organizations apply what they learn in their own communities.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that currently operate—or are funded to begin operating within a year—a human emergency shelter or permanent supportive housing program.
Participating organizations can send up to two staff members, including at least one management-level employee. Travel and lodging expenses are covered for both participants.
Upcoming Open House locations include New York City in October 2026, followed by programs in California, Philadelphia, Nashville and New York through 2027.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through October 1, 2026.
For Ohio organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, the fellowship offers an opportunity to explore how housing programs can become more inclusive of the animals who are often an important source of companionship, stability and support for their guardians.
Get Started
1. Apply for the My Dog is My Home’s fellowship program.
2. Support unhoused people and pets across the United States by completing our action alert for the Providing for Unhoused People and Pets (PUPP) Act.
3. If you’re looking for organizations that provide shelter for houseless people, visit our Statewide Directory.
4. Learn more about advocating for stronger protections and provide a resource list of programs and services, by checking out our Homeless & Low-Income Pets advocacy page.
5. Share this update and action alert with friends and family!
6.Subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive animal welfare related news and resources in Ohio straight to your inbox.
