For people escaping domestic violence or sudden housing crisis, a pet can be the one source of comfort that still feels safe.

But too many emergency systems are not built for families with animals.

A survivor may find a shelter bed but no place for a dog or cat. A family may be able to move only if they can pay a pet deposit, boarding bill, transport cost, or urgent vet expense. When money and time are gone, those barriers can trap both people and pets.

The ASPCA reports that between 18% and 48% of domestic violence victims delayed leaving or returned to an abuser out of fear for their pets’ welfare. The group also reports that up to 89% of pet-owning women entering shelters said an abuser had injured, killed, or threatened family pets.

Pet deposits can block safe relocation in domestic abuse situations.

Federal Policy Already Recognizes The Need

The Animal Welfare Institute says the Pet and Women Safety Act was signed into law in 2018. The law created a grant program to help shelters and housing providers meet the needs of domestic violence survivors with pets.

The U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime has offered Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance grants for victims of domestic violence and their companion animals.

But need still far exceeds access.

Fewer than 1 in 5 domestic violence shelters provide pet-friendly services. That leaves too many people facing a choice no one should ever have to make.

No survivor should have to leave a pet behind.

States Can Fund Pet Safety In Emergency Moves

Michigan has offered one promising model. HB 5409 would allow certain crime victim compensation for temporary pet boarding expenses when boarding is necessary for immediate relocation, with awards capped at $2,500.

That kind of protection should exist everywhere.

Emergency pet safety funds should cover boarding, pet deposits, transport, veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, crates, carriers, food, and supplies. Shelters and housing agencies should receive grants to build pet-friendly spaces. Courts should be able to include pets in protection orders, and crisis responders should be trained to ask about animals in the home.

Service animals and emotional support animals need protection.

The Animal Welfare Institute says 42 states now have pet protection order laws. The next step is making sure survivors know how to use them and have somewhere safe to go with their pets.

Pets should not be surrendered, abandoned, or left with an abuser because emergency housing failed to plan for them.

Sign the petition to urge state and federal leaders to protect pets in domestic violence and emergency housing moves.