Only about 1 in 5 domestic violence shelters accepts pets. A survey of survivors, however, found that nearly half were worried their abuser would harm their pet, so the lack of pet-friendly shelters puts many survivors in the difficult position of choosing between their own safety and that of their furry friend. With your support, we’re slowly chipping away at this problem, and we recently ensured another shelter is able to give pet owners peace of mind.

Thanks in part to your clicks, trivia participation, shopping for a cause, and direct donations, our partner Greater Good Charities recently took their Rescue Rebuild program to Quigley House in Clay County, Florida. There, a volunteer team renovated the shelter to help improve quality of life for domestic and sexual assault survivors and their pets.

Between late February and early March, a large dog play yard and a new pet relief area were added. Kennels already onsite were improved, including the addition of slats between kennels for more privacy and less stress for pets.

Cat owners were also accommodated with the changes, as new shelves and other enrichment items for cats were added indoors. Storage space for pet supplies was added in the cat room, as well.

Other pet essentials included new waterproof flooring, paint, trim, and furniture to make the space more appropriate and comfortable for animals and owners a like. A newly enclosed and insulated attic will provide comfort, as well.

With 50% of domestic violence survivors saying they would not seek shelter if they couldn’t bring their pet with them, renovations like this provide much needed options for those trying to leave dangerous situations.

That’s why we’re part of the 25 by 2025 campaign, which aims to ensure 25% of domestic violence shelters are pet-friendly by 2025. With your support, we’re working toward that goal and toward more peace of mind for pet owners and safety for pets.

If you’d like to support upcoming projects like this, click below!