Escaping domestic violence can be a very difficult process, and when pets are involved, it can become even more complicated. A survey involving the National Domestic Violence Hotline found that 97% of survivors consider keeping their pets with them an important factor in whether or not they’ll seek shelter. This can be due to their dog or cat’s support – 91% said their pet’s emotional and physical protection are key in their ability to survive and heal – and their pet’s safety, as 48% are worried their abuser may harm or kill their pet. Unfortunately, most domestic violence shelters don’t allow pets, but you’re helping us ensure more of them do.

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Thanks to your clicks, trivia participation, shopping for a cause, and direct donations, we work with Greater Good Charities and their Rescue Rebuild program to make more shelters pet friendly. This is part of a multi-partner goal to ensure 25% of domestic violence shelters accept pets by the end of 2025. Currently, only 19% do.

One recent project involved expanding pet facilities at Georgia-based LiveSafe Resources, which, in 1978, became the first organization to open a domestic violence shelter in the state. These days, they support domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse survivors through emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, legal advocacy, a 24-hour crisis hotline, and other services.

In partnership with a private donor and RedRover, we supported LiveSafe’s project to turn an unused area of their property into four pet retreats. This involved splitting two prefabricated sheds into two retreats each, while framing, insulating, and sheetrocking the walls for insulation.

LVT flooring was also added to make the space easier to clean. The spaces were finished up with pet-friendly furniture and enrichment items like cat shelves, dog beds, and toys.

The outdoor areas surrounding the retreat were spruced up, too. Chain link pet relief areas were created and connected with the sheds via insulated dog doors. A concrete sidewalk between the building and the relief areas was added, as well.

LiveSafe says these additions will allow survivors to bring their pets with them when they seek shelter and provide a comfortable and safe environment for pets and their humans alike.

Your support for these efforts helps many survivors, as 50% say they wouldn’t consider a shelter where they couldn’t take their pets. If you’d like to continue supporting pet friendly shelter projects, click below!