Often when a person is in a violent relationship calls a crisis line they are often assisted in developing a safety plan. When survivors share they have a pet the crisis line operator often cannot assist them in finding a place to safely place their pet while they are in transitional housing in a local shelter. According to RedRover only 15% of Domestic Violence Shelters accept pets. Praline’s Backyard Foundation ( PBF) is dedicated to eliminating the barrier of a person not leaving their unhealthy living condition due to the uncertainty of how their pet will be cared for while they are in housing transition.
The issue of housing for pets of domestic violence survivors is worth solving for a number of reasons. First, domestic violence survivors often stay in abusive relationships out of fear for the safety of their pets. If they are able to bring their pets with them to a safe location or be housed in a location they have identified as safe or recommended to be safe, they may be more likely to leave the abusive situation. Additionally, pets can provide a sense of comfort and support for survivors, and being able to bring their pets with them to a new location can help them feel more secure and less alone. Finally, it is important to address the needs of both domestic violence survivors and their pets, as they are often closely bonded and the well-being of one can have an impact on the other.
Praline’s Backyard Foundation provides financial resources for the boarding of pets at a pet boarding facility for up to 7 days ( we plan to increase to 30 days when we have completed our building campaign). Our organization helps to solve the problem that domestic violence survivors with pets face when they are trying to leave an abusive situation. This service can be particularly important to survivors because it allows them to bring their pets with them to a safe location, which can provide a sense of comfort and support during a difficult time.
Additionally, the fact that survivors are able to choose their own pet boarding facility or select one that is recommended based on the location of the domestic violence shelter gives them control over their situation and allows them to make decisions that are best for themselves and their pets. Overall, this service can be a valuable resource for domestic violence survivors and can help to make the process of leaving an abusive situation less stressful and more manageable.
Are you an organization or company that boards pets in your state? If so, we need your help! We are looking for volunteers to house pets of domestic violence survivors for free. By providing a temporary home for these pets, you can make a big difference in the lives of survivors and their pets.
If you are interested in volunteering, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us using the information below and we’ll connect you with local shelters to get started. Together, we can ensure that no pet is left behind during a time of crisis.
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