Good Neighbor Alliance to open pet kennels so unhoused residents can shelter with animals

Carrie, representing the Good Neighbor Alliance shelter for people experiencing homelessness, said a Legacy Foundation of Southeastern Arizona grant funded four kennels — operating under the Peaks of Hope program — that will allow unhoused clients to keep their animals while accessing shelter services.

"We're ready to open them...We are the only shelter in the state that has kennels," Carrie said, noting that the shelter will host a ribbon-cutting on April 23 at 11:30 a.m. and will offer tours and fundraising opportunities at the event.

Kennels will carry names tied to local geography (examples listed: Dragoon Den, Mule Mountain Mews and Huachuca Haven); one name was not recalled on air. Carrie said sponsorships cost $500 for a year or $300 for six months and will cover food, supplies, medical care and vaccinations.

The shelter created an Amazon wish list for supplies and is seeking donations of dog food and other pet items. Carrie thanked the Legacy Foundation and local volunteers and staff who helped plan and launch the kennel program.

The program is intended to reduce barriers to shelter access for people with companion animals and to keep families and pets together while clients stabilize and pursue housing options.