Pet Relief Shelter Project at The Pueblo Shelter

SafeSide Recovery operates The Pueblo Shelter on behalf of the City of Pueblo, providing year-round emergency shelter 365 days a year as well as an 85-bed longer-term resident program for individuals working toward greater stability and permanent housing.

Now, The Pueblo Shelter is expanding its ability to serve people experiencing homelessness by addressing a barrier that is often overlooked: what happens to a person’s pet when they need shelter?

Pueblo City Council President Mark Aliff has pledged a contribution to begin development of the Donna Aliff Pet Relief Shelter, named in honor of his late wife, Donna. Donna was deeply committed to the well-being of animals, particularly the pets of people experiencing homelessness. The project will carry that compassion forward by helping keep people and their pets safely together during a difficult time.

The planned temperature-controlled kennel facility will be located onsite at The Pueblo Shelter. This will allow individuals staying in the Shelter’s non-congregate units to safely house their pets nearby rather than having to choose between accessing shelter and remaining with their animal.

The project has a $250,000 fundraising goal to support construction of the kennel facility, concrete slab, electrical infrastructure, dog run and turf pet-relief area. Donations will also help provide ongoing essentials including pet food, leashes, bowls and other supplies.

For many people experiencing homelessness, a pet is a source of companionship, stability and emotional support. By removing another barrier to shelter, the Donna Aliff Pet Relief Shelter will help The Pueblo Shelter reach more people and connect them with the services and resources needed to move toward stable housing.

To support the project, donate through the SafeSide Foundation at safesidefoundation.org/donate.