When someone is experiencing homelessness, escaping family violence or facing a personal crisis, their pet can be the one constant in a world filled with uncertainty.
But what happens when the only safe accommodation available doesn't allow pets?
For people with large dogs, finding somewhere safe for their beloved companion can be especially difficult. And it's a challenge we're seeing more often at Pets Of The Homeless (POTH).
Jason & Wolf: A friendship worth protecting
At just 19 years old, Jason* is experiencing homelessness, with no family or friends to turn to.
Except for Wolf.
Wolf is his five-year-old dog, his best friend, his protector and someone who's always there for him - no matter what.
When Jason was offered emergency accommodation at a youth refuge, Wolf wasn't allowed to come with him.
Suddenly, Jason faced an impossible choice between having somewhere safe to sleep and staying with his only companion.
Thankfully, our wonderful case manager and foster carer, Lis, stepped up when it mattered most.
Because of her kindness, Wolf now has a safe place to stay while Jason works towards a brighter future for them both.
He's preparing to start a new job and searching for a private rental where they can finally be together again.
But what if Lis hadn't been there? Would Jason have been forced to surrender his only friend, or chosen to sleep rough just so they could stay together?
The devastating reality is Jason and Wolf's situation is far from unique.
Demand for our Safe Shelter program has surged, with almost double the number of requests for assistance this year compared to 2025.
But there's one group we're struggling to help: large dogs.
In fact, half of the people we're unable to assist through Safe Shelter have a dog weighing over 25kg. From Staffy's and German Shepherd's to Kelpie's and Border Collie's, we're struggling to find foster homes for them.
So that leads us to the question...
Are Big Dogs Harder to Foster?
Our wonderful foster carer Julie, who has been fostering large dogs with us for a few years has a different perspective:
"I have been a foster carer for POTH for four years now. I started off with a small dog. He was so much fun. He only stayed with us for a week. One very full-on week.
Then I took on a medium sized dog a Labradoodle. He was an older and more mature boy. He was a gentle soul. I have taken care of quite a few small dogs over the years, but I must admit the larger ones have been amazing.
When I first agreed to foster my first really big dog. I'll admit - I was a bit nervous. I wondered if my tiny yard would be enough.
From the moment he arrived, all those worries disappeared. Large dogs have an incredible presence. Often attracting people everywhere, we went.
Big dogs are misunderstood. They are no more difficult to care for than smaller ones.
In fact, they would rather snuggle up on the couch and have a cuddle than run around the house like an Oodle or a Terrier. They don't get under your feet and trip you over. When you look next to you there, they look at you with loving eyes.
He would lean on me for comfort and reassurance. The bigger the dog the more the love."
A Temporary Home Can Make a Lifelong Difference
For someone like Jason, knowing Wolf is safe means he can focus on rebuilding his life without the fear of losing his best friend.
That's what makes our volunteer foster carers so special.
They provide more than a temporary home for a pet. They give someone experiencing hardship the breathing space to find safety, stability and hope, knowing their beloved companion is being cared for until they can be reunited.
Behind every big dog needing somewhere safe to stay is a person who loves them more than anything.
We'd love to see more big dogs like Wolf have that same chance.
If you're based in Melbourne, Victoria and have ever considered fostering a large dog, we'd love for you to explore what's involved.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
