Abuse Victims and Their Pets: Part 2 of 3: When You are the Target of Domestic Violence

Part 1 of this 3-part series showed the connection between domestic abuse and animal abuse and that for abuse victims, finding a safe haven for their pets can be instrumental in seeking sanctuary for themselves. Part 2 addresses steps the target of abuse can take to best protect pets when looking to escape violence.

Plan and prepare ahead so when you go, your pets are ready to go, too.

• Even if you have not moved to a shelter or become involved in a domestic violence support program, get in contact and start that relationship. For eligibility with most pet assistance programs, submission of your information (and your pet's) by a shelter or domestic abuse support organization is required for safety reasons.
• Research protective shelters in your area (see more information below) where you can go to be safe and where you can keep your pets on site. If such a program is not available in your area, find those that have foster care programs for animal victims of domestic violence. Alternatively, arrange temporary shelter for your pets with a veterinarian, family member, trusted friend, or local animal shelter.
• License your pets in your town or county in your name to help prove your ownership.
• Make sure all vaccinations are current.
• Do not leave pets with your abuser. Be prepared to take your pets with you just as you prepare yourself and your children to go.
• If you need financial assistance for veterinary care, transportation, and boarding to enable you and your pet(s) to leave an abusive home, the Red Rover Relief program offers financial assistance for victims of domestic violence and their pets.

In this series, Part 3:  What Advocates Can Do addresses what a community can do to facilitate the safety net for targets of abuse and their companion animals.
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The following links are to programs, which may be called "safe havens for pets," "animal safehouses" or "pet safe keeping" programs. They vary considerably in scope and structure. Some are independent nonprofit organizations; others are formal partnerships between domestic violence shelters and animal agencies; still others consist simply of a network of volunteers. Programs may house animals on-site at a domestic violence shelter (indicated by an asterisk [*]), at an animal shelter, at a veterinary clinic or boarding facility, in foster homes, or in another setting. 

This link provides (by state) shelters with on-site pet facilities.

This link provides a list of programs providing shelter for animals/pets of domestic violence victims and is current as of September 15, 2010.