Guest Blog: Yvonne Hong, Founder & CEO of Pets Of The Homeless
They say if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.
At Pets Of The Homeless, everything we’ve achieved over the past decade has been built on connection between people, pets, and communities who care.
When I started this organisation, it was just me, a suitcase of dog food, and a determination to make sure no one had to choose between feeding themselves or their best friend. What began as small acts of kindness on the streets of Melbourne has grown into a community movement that has kept thousands of people and their pets together through their toughest times.
Everyday, we see the power of belonging in action. When someone struggling to make ends meet visits one of our community partners and receives pet food, or when a volunteer courier drives across town to take a pet to their foster home, those moments remind us that connection is more than a feeling – it’s a lifeline.
At its heart, our work is about respect for people doing it tough, for the love they have for their pets, and for the belief that everyone deserves compassion. We’ve seen how a warm conversation, a wagging tail, or a few nights of safe shelter can rebuild hope. That is social connection at its most genuine. It’s humans and animals reminding each other that they matter.
As we celebrate ten years, we’re reminded that our success isn’t just measured in numbers, though 2.5 million meals, countless vet visits, and thousands of wagging tails are milestones we’re proud of. It’s measured in moments of dignity, connection, and the shared understanding that we all belong.
Neighbours Every Day reminds us that community starts with simple acts of care. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbour, donating a tin of pet food, or volunteering your time, every gesture builds a stronger, kinder world.
This decade at Pets Of The Homeless has been powered by compassion. And we’re just getting started. Here’s to the next ten years of impact, connection and keeping best friends together.
To learn more visit www.petsofthehomeless.org.au
About our Guest Blogger
Yvonne is the founding director of Pets of the Homeless (POTH). After several years managing and supporting various pet rescue groups, Yvonne started POTH as a passion project in July 2015 to respond to the joint welfare needs of people facing homelessness and their much-loved pets.
As Founder and CEO, Yvonne is considered both the face and the driving force of the organisation, managing POTH’s operations, fundraising, communications and marketing. Her passion for her community and the welfare of others extends beyond POTH, where Yvonne was also a board member of her local community centre.