NYC's first pet-friendly homeless shelter will open in the Bronx

THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The city's first pet-inclusive homeless shelter is set to open in the Bronx, city officials announced on Thursday.

In a partnership with the city's Department of Homeless Services and the Urban Resource Institute, comes the Uplift Families Residence. The new facility "welcomes families experiencing homelessness along with their beloved pets," officials said.

The facility has 161 units with 587 beds and will begin with a pilot phase for five families with their pets. The shelter was inspired by the People and Animals Living Safely program for survivors of domestic violence.

Pets are prohibited at other homeless shelters in New York City, and city officials hope this initiative will help more unhoused people stay with their pets.

“We are proud to open the doors to this first-of-its-kind shelter with our incredible partners at URI whose proven track record of success and deep investment in providing meaningful supports for vulnerable New Yorkers make them best-positioned to spearhead this ground-breaking pilot,” said Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter.