Many, many homes in the United States include one or more companion animals. In most cases these companions are cherished members of the family. When there is violence in the home it can be directed at the pets as well as at other adults and children who live there. Pet abuse is one of the forms of intimidation a perpetrator uses against his or her victim.
Here are some resources for domestic violence victims seeking shelter for themselves and
their pets.
Animal Welfare Institute’s Animal and Family Violence Resources
awionline.org/content/animals-
Offers resources, programs and policies that address the relationship between animal cruelty and family violence.
PetsEmpower
https://petsempower.org/
Provides access to timely, trusted infrastructure and capacity that enables people in crisis to find pet care until they can be reunited.
Red Rover’s Domestic Violence Safe Escape Grant program
Offers financial assistance for domestic violence victims and their pets. Funding mainly provides to help with cost of temporary pet boarding although other costs such as urgent vet care can be considered.
Safe Havens Mapping Project
Search by zip code for groups that provide sheltering services for companion animals of domestic violence victims, have relationships with an entity that does, or provide referrals to such facilities.
Safe People Safe Pets
https://www.safepeoplesafepets.org/
Helps secure temporary shelter for pets of domestic violence victims.
Sheltering Animals of Abuse Victims (SAAV)
All volunteer organization arranges safe harbor for pets of domestic violence victims when an abuse victim seeks refuge from an abuser.
Sheltering Animals and Families Together
Global initiative offering guidance to domestic violence shelters on how to house families together with their pets.
State-by-State Safe Havens List
List of programs throughout the country offering help to domestic violence victims and their pets.