In their lifetimes, approximately one in four women will be victims of domestic violence. Given that more
than 71 million U.S. households include companion animals as pets, it is inevitable that many of those households will experience
both domestic violence and animal abuse. In fact, in a study of intentional animal abuse cases, 13 percent involved incidents
of domestic violence, 7 percent co-existed with child abuse and 1 percent involved elder abuse.
When
domestic violence victims with pets consider fleeing abusive homes and there is no safe place to house their pets, they have
little choice but to remain in their homes and subject themselves, their children and their pets to continued violence, or
to flee and leave their pets behind.
Because victims understand the extent of the harm that their
abusers will likely inflict upon their pets, if left behind, many victims remain in violent relationships. Currently, numerous
programs provide procedures for housing family pets off-site at animal shelters or with animal rescue groups, and many shelters
are following such a plan. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s 2004 National Directory of
Domestic Violence Programs, more than 700 shelters across the country provide assistance or referrals for placement of pets;
however, at the start of the PAWS Program in February 2008, American Humane was aware of only four shelters that actually
provide on-site housing for pets.
Safety Planning And Your Pet
Walking the
dog
A daily walk can be used as a way to look at the layout of your neighborhood and to plan a possible escape
route. A walk can also be used as an excuse to leave the house when you sense that a volatile situation
is about to erupt.
Create a Safety Plan that Includes Your Pet
If you are planning on staying...
- Keep
emergency provisions for your pet in case your abuser withholds money.
- Keep the
phone number of the nearest 24 hour emergency veterinary clinic
- Establish ownership
of your pet by creating a paper trail (e.g., obtain a license, have veterinarian records put in your name).
If you are planning to leave...
- Obtain
safe emergency shelter for pet, somewhere that won't be disclosed to your abuser (e.g., veterinarian, friend, family, etc.)
- Pack a bag for your pet that includes:
- food
- medicine
- documents of ownership (receipts,
vet records, license to establish ownership, receipts for animal purchases)
- lease
- carrier
- toys
- bedding
(If you must leave
without your pet, remember to leave enough food, fresh bedding, litter, etc. for your pet.)
If you have left...
- Keep pets indoors
(if possible)
- Don't let the pet outside alone
- Pick a safe route and time to walk your pet
- Don't exercise/walk pet alone
- Change your veterinarian
