Reports
An Examination of Safe Haven Deserts
Safe Havens Research (July 2022)
The Animal Welfare Institute compiled information on the nationwide distribution of safe havens in order to more clearly identify areas of the country where new safe havens are most urgently needed. For every county in every state, we tallied the number of known safe havens and used that number to calculate the number of safe havens per capita for that county. The results are displayed in state-by-state county tables that can be organized alphabetically or in numerical order of safe havens per capita.
Identifying the Needs of DV Shelters that Provide Services to Survivors with Pets
Safe Havens Report (August 2021)
The Animal Welfare Institute conducted a survey that asked the community of groups that provide safe havens for pets of domestic violence survivors to describe their needs and provide general feedback. With that information, AWI hopes to facilitate communication between safe haven providers in order to strengthen individual programs and the community of safe havens for pets.
Improving Outcomes in Homelessness: Keeping People and Pets Together
National Alliance to End Homelessness and PetSmart Charities Publication (Feb 2020)
A resource designed to improve outcomes for those experiencing homelessness with a companion animal.
CAN I INCLUDE MY PET(S) IN A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER?
Yes. Forty-two states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have laws to ensure that victims of domestic violence can include their pets in restraining orders. Regardless of whether a state has a specific pet protection order provision, most state temporary restraining orders (TROs) contain language that gives courts discretion to include additional stipulations in the orders. A court can order pets to be included in a TRO just as it can provide for the temporary care of children or possession of property. A TRO can also authorize law enforcement to assist with the removal of a pet from a home. Therefore, even if a state does not have a pet protection order statute, a petitioner can include incidents of pet abuse or threatened abuse in their complaint or petition and request that the court include pets in the property or “other relief” section of the protection order. Learn more about including pets in protection orders
PROFESSIONAL TOOLS AND RESOURCES
The following resources offer guidance to help human services and animal welfare professionals understand the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence, recognize interconnected signs of abuse, and take action to protect both people and animals.
- Safety Planning for Pets
- Safety Planning for Pets In Spanish
- Asking Children About Pets
- When Children Witness Animal Abuse
- Signs of Animal Abuse and Neglect
- Signs of Animal Abuse and Neglect in Spanish
Our team members are well versed in the link between animal maltreatment and human violence. We welcome the opportunity to provide tools and training for other organizations. To request our services, please complete this Training Request Form.
Pet Owner Tools And Resources
The following resources may be helpful for pet owners seeking assistance for veterinary care, pet-inclusive housing, and low-cost pet care supplies.
- My Pitbull is Family: National Dog-Inclusive Rental Database
- Pet Help Finder: includes option to find organizations with payment plans available
Resources for animal care (food/pet care related items)
- Feeding Pets of the Homeless
- Meals on Wheels: Pet Program
SAFE HAVENS MEDIA
- Survivor Spotlight Video with Kendall Ann Combs
- How Does Safe Havens for Pets Serve Survivors of Domestic Violence and Their Pets?
High Heels and Heartache Podcast (May 10, 2021) - Exclusive on Animal Welfare Institute’s National Directory that Includes 1,200 ‘Safe Havens’ for Domestic Abuse Victims & Their Pets
World Animal News (October 27, 2021) - Phoenix Bilingual Domestic Violence Shelter Helps Survivors Keep Their Pets AZCentral (April 27, 2023)
- Protecting Pets During Domestic Violence Situations PetMD (August 9, 2023)
- A Conversation with Nancy Blaney: Shelter Services for Survivors and Their Companion Animals Office for Victims of Crime (October 12, 2023)
- New Grants Help Survivors of Domestic Violence and Their Pets WTVA (February 21, 2024)
- Nowhere to Go: Pet-Friendly Shelters for Domestic Violence Victims Advocate Channel (November 26, 2024)
SAFE HAVENS SPOTLIGHTS
Through social media, Safe Havens for Pets is spotlighting noteworthy safe havens around the country. Here are a few of our spotlighted Safe Havens:
DV Resource Spotlights:
- SafeNest, Nevada
- Peaceworks Inc, Colorado
- The Family Place, Texas
- Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence, Maryland
- Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, Indiana
Homelessness Resource Spotlights:
- The Compassionate Village, Ohio
- The Bridge, Texas
If you are interested in being featured in a spotlight, please contact us at safehavens@awionline.org and let us know what services your organization offers. You are welcome to include any relevant photos.