what we do

our vision

We envision a world where all people and their pets remain together safely. And that financially struggling people and their pets have access to affordable resources to get the help they need.

our programs / services

We help those most in need, those most at-risk of having to give up their beloved pet. Our purpose is to help those people and the pets they love stay together. And to help those pets stay safe, healthy, and happy.
We do this through three core services:

The Unsheltered People with Pets (UPP) program addresses the need for support of un‑housed/transitionally housed pet parents.

Shelter space for the homeless population is already limited, and very few housing shelters or transitional housing programs allow people to bring their pets or provide alternative options to provide care or boarding for them. In addition, those struggling financially (disabled, recent job loss, reduction in hours, loss of housing, etc.) betterTogether Forever has developed the Unsheltered People with Pets (UPP) program to address the need for support within these vulnerable communities and to keep pets with their families when they need each other most. Referrals need to come through human service agencies or proof of low income is needed and services are on a case‑by‑case basis.

We cover the following:

We are committed to helping the growing population of people experiencing homelessness and at-risk people in the Los Angeles area and their beloved pets stay together safely. Pets of the homeless and at-risk are their family, companions, and comfort during challenging chapters of their lives. The 2022 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count reports that 69,144 people are experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, and on any given night in the city of Los Angeles, 41,980 people go unsheltered. This is up 4.1% from 2020. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, about 10% of homeless people have pets.

By providing access to resources and support, this program gives low-income, senior citizens and homeless pet owners options other than surrendering their pets and keeps those pets at home where they belong.

Our shelter prevention program services people and pets in East LA (zip codes 90004, 90011, 90012, 90013, 90015, 90017, 90020, 90021, 90022, 90023, 90026, 90027, 90028, 90029, 90031, 90032, 90033, 90038, 90039, 90042, 90057, 90058, 90063, 90065, 90068 & 90071). We partner with local veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, human service agencies, etc., building a local network of resources/referrals as a safety net to help keep pets at home, where they are loved and where they belong and out of the animal shelter.

Some of the services we provide:

We work closely with local organizations to host pet wellness clinics, stock pet food pantries, and provide supplies to those who are struggling financially.

We often partner with other organizations to provide information, resources, and referrals connecting people with pets to free and/or low-cost options. We also offer onsite pop-up Pet Wellness Clinics at various partnering locations to address the needs within vulnerable communities and to keep pets healthy with their families when they need each other most.

At these events, the following can be provided:

Pet food – treats, moist and dry primarily for cats and dogs and other pets when needed
Pet supplies – collars, leashes, harnesses
Pet comforts – blankets, beds, toys, etc.
Crates – for transporting and to keep secure in housing
Litter – boxes and scoopers
Vet care – vaccinations, flea meds, deworming, antibiotics, nail trims, ear cleaning, etc.

Additional services we assist with are:

Spay/Neuter – for optimum health, prevention of diseases, communal living, overpopulation and to combat unwanted behaviors
Vet care – tumor removal, dental, skin issues, etc.
ESA assessments
Dog Training