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Help Families And Pets Escape Crisis Together
Final signature count: 106
106 signatures toward our 30,000 goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Survivors and families in crisis should never have to choose between safety and the pets they love.
For many people fleeing domestic violence, eviction, disaster, or sudden emergency relocation, a pet is not optional. A dog, cat, service animal, emotional support animal, or other companion may be family, comfort, protection, and stability during the most dangerous days of a person’s life.
But emergency systems often fail to protect that bond. Survivors may be told that a shelter cannot accept pets. Families may be forced to pay sudden pet deposits, boarding bills, transport costs, veterinary expenses, or food and supply costs at the exact moment they have the least money and the least time.
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, and that up to 89% of pet-owning women entering shelters reported an abuser had injured, killed, or threatened family pets.2
No One Should Have To Leave A Pet Behind
The National Domestic Violence Hotline reported that 97% of domestic violence survivors said keeping pets with them was an important factor in deciding whether to seek shelter, and half said they would not consider shelter for themselves if they could not bring their pet.5
Federal policy already recognizes this problem. The Pet and Women Safety Act was signed into law in 2018 and created a grant program to help domestic violence shelters and housing providers meet the needs of survivors with pets.3 The U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime has also offered Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance grants for victims of domestic violence and their companion animals.4
But access remains far too limited. Greater Good Charities notes that fewer than 1 in 5 domestic violence shelters provide pet-friendly services, leaving many survivors to face the choice of leaving pets behind or remaining in danger.6
Emergency Housing Must Include Pet Safety
States can do more now. Michigan HB 5409 offers one model by proposing crime victim compensation for certain pet expenses, including up to $2,500 for temporary pet boarding when boarding is necessary to facilitate immediate relocation.1
That idea should become standard. Emergency pet safety funds should cover temporary boarding, pet deposits, transport, vaccinations, microchipping, food, crates, carriers, veterinary care, and other costs that help people and pets escape safely together.
Lawmakers should also make sure courts can include pets in protection orders. The Animal Welfare Institute says 42 states now have pet protection order laws, but survivors and advocates still need awareness and support to use them effectively.7
Pets should not be used as leverage by abusers. They should not be surrendered to crowded shelters because a family could not afford a deposit or boarding fee. They should not be left behind because emergency housing was built without them in mind.
Sign now to urge state and federal leaders to protect pets in domestic violence and emergency housing moves.
