Our 2026 Calendar: The power of companionship

Across England, around 350,000 people are currently homeless – and many share their lives with pets.

Yet most hostels and emergency accommodation providers do not allow animals. This leaves people facing the impossible choice between giving up their pet or sleeping on the streets. Even when pet-friendly options are available, financial hardship and strict tenancy rules can make caring for animals difficult.

Pet ownership can also perpetuate homelessness. Under current UK laws, turning down social housing due to a no-pet clause can result in a person being deemed “intentionally homeless”, which may lead to a refusal of further housing assistance from the local authority.  

Our 2026 calendar highlights the barriers that pet owners can face when trying to secure housing. To do this, we have teamed up with Street Paws – a charity working across Northern England to ensure that no one experiencing homelessness is forced to choose between their beloved pet and a safe place to stay.  

Our 2026 calendar highlights the barriers that pet owners can face when trying to secure housing. To do this, we have teamed up with Street Paws.

Street Paws provides free veterinary care and essential supplies to people facing homelessness with pets and delivers specialist training to hostels and housing providers so that more accommodations can welcome animals.  

“Street Paws are amazing, honest to God,” says Nathan, a Big Issue North vendor whose dog, Rolo, features in this year’s calendar. “If you ask them for any sort of treatment or food, they’ll try their best to provide it.”  

Rolo is one of several Big Issue North pets who have benefitted from Street Paws’ support. The charity has provided flea and worming treatment, as well as helped Rolo with a skin condition that he developed from wearing a muzzle. 

“We’re living in a hostel at the moment,” explains Nathan. “I was homeless for almost a year, just under 12 months last year, and I spent most of my time in Blackpool in hotels because the council wouldn’t help. We’re waiting for permanent housing.” 

Nathan’s experience is one echoed throughout this calendar. Every pet featured is a current patient of Street Paws and belongs to someone who is experiencing homelessness or insecure housing. 

Companionship and Connection 

The benefits of pet ownership are well-documented. Studies show that animals can reduce anxiety, lower heart rates and encourage social connection. For people facing poverty and homelessness, those relationships are often a vital source of comfort and motivation. 

Martin, a vendor in Leeds, says that his cat Willow Doo has been by his side through years of hardship. “If I’m down, she knows something’s up and comes for cuddles,” he says. 

In Sheffield, Filip describes his dog Becky as his lifeline. “Since I’m alone in this country, she’s the one who’s helped me get through the times I felt alone.” 

In Barnsley, Terence and Claire’s three dogs – Roxy, Lulu and Rex – bring laughter and structure to their days. “They’re all so loving and comical,” says Claire. “Rex will sit on his back legs for you to rub his chest, and if you stop, he’ll whack you on the arm to say, ‘Carry on!’” 

Even vendors without pets find joy in customers’ animals. Joe in Prestwich “always looks forward” to seeing a regular’s labrador, Reg, while Colin in Manchester says that pug Edith and poodle Walter “make my day” when they stop by his pitch. 

Change is coming  

There is hope that policy shifts. The Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill, first introduced in 2021, continues to influence the conversation by calling for a wider ban on “no-pet” clauses in rental agreements.  

The newly passed Renters’ Rights Bill in England (which succeeds the earlier Renters Reform Bill) should make it easier for tenants to keep pets in rented homes. Landlords will no longer be able to impose blanket bans on pets and must consider each request fairly, refusing only for reasonable grounds.  

The newly passed Renters’ Rights Bill in England (which succeeds the earlier Renters Reform Bill) should make it easier for tenants to keep pets in rented homes. But, with homelessness rising and many hostels and housing providers still unable to accept animals, there is much more to be done to ensure that everyone can find a safe home without giving up their pets.  

The government has also dropped its earlier proposal to make tenants take out compulsory pet insurance, after criticism from charities and housing campaigners that it would add yet another financial barrier for low-income renters.  

Together, these measures represent some progress. But, with homelessness rising and many hostels and housing providers still unable to accept animals, there is much more to be done to ensure that everyone can find a safe home without giving up their pets.  

Paws for support 

Each week, around 300 people like Nathan and Martin sell Big Issue North, visiting our regional offices to buy magazines for £2 each before selling them on the streets for £4. Seasonal items like our 2026 calendar work to bolster and support sales during a particularly challenging time of year for lots of our vendors. 

All proceeds from our 2026 calendar go directly to the vendor you purchase it from. Calendars bought online or through stockists also support Big Issue North’s wider work – helping people in need to earn an income and improve their lives.  

Whether you buy online or directly from a vendor, you are doing your bit to make a difference in the lives of our vendors (and their dependents – furry or otherwise!).

The 2026 calendar is now available from local vendors and via our online shop. 

Thank you for supporting Big Issue North vendors this festive season. To give more, visit justgiving.com/bigissuenorth or text BINORTH to 70970

To support Street Paws, visit their donation page.