Announcing Innovative Pet Kennel to Remove Barrier for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Waterfront Mission is launching a new initiative designed to remove one of the most heartbreaking barriers preventing individuals from seeking shelter: the fear of being separated from their pets.

The organization announced plans to build a dedicated dog kennel at its Pensacola campus, allowing individuals experiencing homelessness to safely house their dogs while they receive shelter, recovery, and support services. Nationally, 25% of unhoused individuals have a companion animal, and most of them avoid shelters because pets are not allowed.

“For many of the men and women we serve, their pet isn’t just a companion—it’s family,” said Clay Romano, President/CEO of Waterfront. “Too often, people have no choice but to remain on the street rather than abandon the one thing that’s never abandoned them. This kennel changes that.”

Waterfront has contracted with a company that often works with law enforcement K9 units to build the kennel. The facility will accommodate up to 16 dogs and will be available exclusively to individuals actively receiving services at Waterfront Mission. The goal is to remove a critical barrier to entry and help more people take their first step toward stability and recovery.

Waterfront Mission is partnering with Escambia County Animal Shelter to ensure the highest standards of operation and cleanliness. The ECAS will be helping train men and women in Waterfront programs and volunteers to operate the kennel.

“This is about helping people through their pets—if someone can come to the Mission and trust us to watch over their pet while they have a meal, take a shower, or stay with us for the night, eventually they will begin to trust us with their life also.” Romano said.

The kennel will be located at the rear of Waterfront Mission’s campus and designed as a clean, controlled environment with structured daily care, opportunities for program clients to gain job skills, and a chance for the community to volunteer.

The total cost of the project is $160,000, with more than 62% of the funding already secured prior to the public launch. The organization is now seeking community support to complete the remaining funding and bring the project to life.

“By removing this barrier, we can help more individuals come inside, access services, and begin a path toward lasting change,” said Romano. “This is a one-time investment that will expand the impact of everything we already do.”

Waterfront Mission exists to demonstrate God’s goodness by providing rescue and recovery services in Jesus’ name. The pet kennel initiative reflects that mission by extending compassion, preserving important human-animal bonds, and creating new pathways to hope.

To learn more and contribute, please visit: https://waterfrontmission.org/petkennel/.