Providing Sanctuary for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Their Pets

23-year-old Sara is considering leaving the abusive relationship, but the thought of possibly having to
leave her dog Waggy behind fills her with anxiety, fear, and dread. She knows that many shelters
won’t accept pets, and the idea of leaving Waggy alone with the abuser’s anger terrifies her. Sara
silently vows to herself that she will find a way to break free from the abusive relationship
without having to leave Waggy behind.
The presence of a pet can provide much-needed emotional support and companionship; however,
studies have shown a strong correlation between domestic violence and pet ownership. Abusers
may exploit the bond between their victims and their pets as a means of control or coercion,
threatening to harm the animals as a way to maintain power. This can lead to victims feeling
trapped in abusive situations, fearing for the safety of their pets if they attempt to leave. Therefore, having pets can complicate someone’s decision to seek safety. This is compounded by the
fact that many traditional shelters often cannot accommodate animals. This dilemma leaves
many victims facing an impossible choice: stay in an abusive situation or leave their pet behind.
Leaving an abusive home can be an incredibly overwhelming task for victims of domestic
violence, but it is even more difficult for those who have pets. Beyond the immediate threat to
their safety, many face the heartbreaking dilemma of leaving behind beloved pets, who are often
considered part of the family.
When leaving a domestic violence situation, victims with small pets like cats or dogs may face
challenges finding safe temporary housing that accommodates their animals. Many traditional
shelters may not allow pets or have limited space, forcing victims to choose between their
safety and that of their pets.

Housing needs can be even more complex for victims who own larger animals like horses.
Finding temporary accommodations that can accommodate large animals like horses can be
extremely challenging, as few shelters or resources are equipped to handle such needs.
The housing needs of both small pets and larger animals intersect with leaving a domestic
violence situation in significant ways. Victims must consider the safety, well-being, and
logistical challenges associated with caring for their animals while also seeking refuge from
abuse.
Recognizing this barrier, communities are increasingly acknowledging the need for temporary,
emergency housing solutions not only for survivors of domestic violence but also for their pets.
The domestic violence coordinating council in my local community is working to create some
solutions for those who have animals and are trying to escape abusive relationships. The ideas
that have been discussed could serve as a model for other communities to follow. Some of the
ideas the group has discussed are outlined below:
 Establishing partnerships with organizations that serve animals so they can create
solutions that are specifically designed to provide sanctuary for those escaping domestic
violence with their pets. This would allow both the domestic violence survivors and their
pets to find refuge, ensuring that survivors do not have to sacrifice the well-being of their
pets to escape abuse.
 Working with local animal shelters and advocacy organizations to locate pet-friendly
accommodations for individuals fleeing domestic violence that will be equipped to
accommodate both small and large animals.
 Partnering with animal welfare organizations and rescue groups to provide temporary
housing and support for pets of domestic violence survivors.
 Sharing ideas for creative housing solutions for pets such as: foster care, boarding, or
temporary placement for pets while their owners seek safety.
 Advocating for expanded housing options that accommodate both humans and pets,
including rental properties and transitional housing programs. For example, encouraging
landlords and housing providers to adopt pet-friendly policies and waive pet-related fees
for domestic violence survivors.
The work that is being done to establish animal housing options for victims of domestic violence
in my area has involved collaboration between various stakeholders, including local advocates,
animal welfare organizations, law enforcement agencies, and government entities. By engaging
with these community partners, the domestic violence coordinating council in my area is
working together to assess the need for such a shelter, identify potential resources, and
developing a comprehensive plan for its implementation.
In the fight against domestic violence, it is essential to recognize the integral role that pets play
in the lives of victims. By providing safe havens for both humans and animals, communities can
empower survivors to break free from abusive situations without having to leave their beloved
companions behind. Additionally, by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, communities
can work together to meet the housing needs of individuals leaving domestic violence situations

with both large and small pets, ensuring that no one has to choose between their safety and the
well-being of their beloved companions.