Pet Research Project
Colorado advocates and scholars have been gathering data about children exposed to intimate partner violence and animal cruelty since 2011, and we are excited to share our results!
Sheltering Pets Toolkit
These tools will help you explore the variety of strategies that may increase options for survivors who have pets.
On this spectrum, you may need to consider:
-Creating partnerships with local resources, including vets, pet shelters, etc.
–Form Templates: MOU, Animal Intake, Client Agreement, Consent & Release, etc.
Additional Resources
–Human Animal Bond in the Context of DV
–CCADV-State Law FactSheet on Protection Orders and Animals
–Legal Advocates/Attorneys: Obtaining Protection Orders for Survivors with Pets
–Guidelines for Sheltering Pets for Women who are Battered
–University of Denver’s Institute of Human-Animal Connection
Things to Consider
- Does the survivor have family or friends who can keep, watch, or help care for animals?
- Document pet ownership (photos, vet records, adoption receipts, microchip)
- Include animals in protection orders
- If planning to leave, include pet items in your “go” bag (food, medications, vaccination records, favorite toy, etc.)
The AKC Humane Fund offers a grant to assist DV shelters that already accept pets
The Veterinary Care Foundation provides funds for veterinarians to help pets of families in crisis.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides a variety of grants that may apply to survivors’ needs.
A Florida DV shelter partnered with SAF-T to construct an onsite kennel for families with pets.
In 2013, a nonprofit called the Urban Resource Institute opened the first shelter in New York City that allows domestic violence victims live with their pets (more)