Temporary accommodation for dog owners opens in Stroud
Gloucester City Homes wants to stop people experiencing homelessness from being separated from their dogs
Citadel House in Stroud will allow up to 8 people and their dogs to stay there while they find more permanent housing.
Gloucester City Homes (GCH) says it was a problem they were always facing and they want to take away the painful choice between giving up their dog or staying outside in the cold.
It's part of Dogs Trust's Welcoming Dogs scheme that supports homelessness services to become dog-friendly so people and their pets can stay together.
Abigail Owens, is the Pets and Housing Regional Engagement Coordinator at Dogs Trust and says it is better for the person experiencing homelessness and the dog to stay together.
She added, "Many people will not make the decision to give up their dog.
"We really do think everyone should stay with their pets no matter the situation, and that there's pet friendly accommodation at every step of their journey.
"People experiencing homelessness is a traumatic experience, and asking people to give up their dog reinforces that trauma.
"There's a lot of benefits to having dog friendly accommodation, the main one is mental health."
To ensure all residents are happy to live with the dog, a risk assessment will be carried out.
There will also be a pet owner agreement, to make sure they clean up after their dog, keep an eye on the noise and take them for walks. The Dogs Trust will provide any vet care they may need.