Help is available

What can organizations do?

Equip DV shelters to accommodate companion animals. Programs such as the SAF-T program and Rescue Rebuild by Greater Good Charities offer guidelines on how to safely house pets on site. Additionally, thanks to the Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act of 2017, the federal Office for Victims of Crime established a grant program for shelter and housing assistance and support services for DV survivors with pets. 

Implement a program for local animal shelters or foster families to house companion animals while their owner is at a domestic violence shelter. 

Address the barriers to renting with pets, especially for people in crisis, such as pet deposits, breed and size restrictions, and pet rent.