The PetSmart Promise program is a remarkable partnership. Across this country, families with pets are forced to make the difficult decision about whether to seek shelter if it means loss of a beloved family member—their dog or cat. PetSmart recognized that this issue had a very real impact and that they were uniquely positioned to address it.

The PetSmart Promise program was developed to ensure that no family is faced with that awful dilemma when they become homeless. They help children and families – including their 4-legged friends – to stay together while they look for permanent housing. By the end of 2015 PetSmart will have created nine pet sanctuaries across the US, ensuring that not only can families keep their pets, they will be able to interact with them every day. PetSmart also has opened up space in more than two dozen PetHotels so families can board their pets for free.

“Most homeless shelters don’t accept pets, so families were choosing to live in their cars or on the street in order to stay with their pet,” a PetSmart spokesperson told The Huffington Post. “Pets provide an invaluable comfort to their family members. For the children of these homeless families, their pet may be the only constant part of their life. It’s important for their well-being that they not have to give up their pet too.”

PetSmart found its issue – families being separated from their pets during an already awful time. They had a gift of  kindness and offered their facilities and staffers and used its expertise to solve this problem. They’re changing the world, one family at a time. This is an perfect example of how companies can have a very real, and meaningful, effect on a major issue.

Way to go, Petsmart!