Langley’s Salvation Army Shelter Allows Pets to Keep Families Together

One of the main focuses of The Salvation Army’s Gateway of Hope shelter in Langley, B.C., is to ensure that residents have accessibility and comfort.

To promote a welcoming and positive environment, the Gateway of Hope allows guests to access all shelter services with their pets.
According to Residential Services Manager, Cristina Schneiter, it is crucial to consider pets when it comes to the well-being of the clients.
“We allow pets into all our different programs. Pet friendliness is so important. Many of our folks experiencing homelessness have pets who are their lifeline and their companion. Some don’t access shelters because they can’t bring their pets in, so making their pets comfortable here is something that we really value,” Cristina said.

“Many of our folks experiencing homelessness have pets who are their lifeline and their companion.”

Pets can play a role in improving the mood of a person. Many of the guests at the Gateway of Hope may feel anxious about what is next, as they work with the staff towards securing permanent housing. Having that companion can help them feel a bit calmer.
This is the case for Mike, a guest at the Gateway of Hope who is currently staying with his dog “Blueberry”.
“Waking up and having my pet here is a beautiful thing. When I was feeling low and homesick, I looked at my puppy and felt better. It was almost like I was home,” Mike shared.

Blueberry is also popular at the shelter. Mike says Blueberry brings people together, and others enjoy petting her.
The comfort of all people is a priority at the shelter. Those who may not feel comfortable with pets are also considered. Clients with pets are asked to keep them on a leash in all common areas. However, even guests who do not have animal companions recognize that pet friendliness is a positive aspect of the shelter.
Greg Smith is a guest who does not own a pet, and although he is allergic to cats, he says the staff does a great job ensuring everyone is in control of their pets.

“It’s never been a problem for me. The staff always make sure that other residents are looking after their animals. It’s good for the people that reside here because they like having the animals around,” Greg said.

The pet-friendliness extends to the staff as well. Staff members can bring their dogs as long as they have a closed-door office, and keep control of their pets, in accordance with the staff pet policy. Cristina brings her dog “Wheels” any chance she gets.

“Wheels is often here, and he brings little joy breaks for staff and colleagues that visit him. Some staff go out of their way to keep treats in their offices for him,” Cristina shared.

“When I was feeling low and homesick, I looked at my puppy and felt better.”

Having pets around brings comfort to other staff as well.

“Dogs provide unconditional love; they don’t judge us. We can be having a hard day, and seeing a guest’s dog or a staff member’s dog brightens our days. Even some colleagues that don’t like dogs end up smiling at their (dogs) antics,” said Support Worker, Suki Khela.

The Gateway of Hope promotes accessibility in other ways as well. The facilities are wheelchair accessible. This includes accessible doors and washrooms for any clients that require these. They offer a 24/7 emergency shelter, a relief shelter, a transitional housing program, and an extreme weather response shelter.

By Juan Romero