Being homeless is not a walk in the park. Finding somewhere to sleep when you are on the streets is not easy. But, however difficult it is for rough sleepers to find accommodation, it is even more difficult if you are a rough sleeper with a dog.

Currently only 8% of hostels in the UK are dog-friendly, like St Mungo’s. Most organisations providing accommodation for rough sleepers operate a 'no dogs' policy meaning homeless dog owners are not accepted, simply because they have a dog. Having just spent Christmas looking after the dogs of rough sleepers with Crisis at Christmas I’ve seen the mutual devotion to each other of dog and owner and witnessed the sacrifices rough sleepers make, particularly in freezing cold or wet weather, so they are not parted from their dog.

One valuable strand of Dogs Trust’s work is the Hope Project which works to encourage more hostels and housing providers to accept clients with dogs. They offer information and support to hostels considering accepting dogs and point out the benefits not only to owners but also staff and other residents. Let’s hope the percentage of hostels accepting clients with dogs increases this year and we’ll follow-up another week.

Meanwhile, if you see a rough sleeper (with or without a dog) that you are concerned about, if you contact StreetLink they will try and find the individual and connect them to support services. StreetLink can be contacted on 0300 500 0914 or online via www.streetlink.org.uk .

Chestnut knows what it’s like to be homeless. Found as a stray in Wales, this beautiful crossbreed is currently in the care of Dogs Trust. She is very active so if you are looking for a running or hiking partner, she could be the one for you. You can see more details and meet her at Dogs Trust, Harvil Road, Harefield UB9 6JW. Tel. 01895 453930.