The human-animal bond is mutually beneficial, and the welfare of people and their pets is inextricably linked. At times, the welfare of both is jeopardized by concerns such as homelessness or abuse. One way AWI is bringing awareness to the relationship between human and animal welfare is through its Safe Havens for Pets project. The searchable Safe Havens for Pets directory lists sheltering services for pets of those experiencing interpersonal violence or homelessness and provides resources for professionals who are dedicated to protecting people and their pets.
In most cases, companion animals are cherished members of the family. However, there are situations in which pets are at-risk or mistreated—in the home and in the community. Surveys of domestic violence survivors reveal that up to 89 percent report that their pets were threatened, harmed, or killed by their abuser. Research also indicates that animal abuse and other forms of family violence, such as child abuse, elder abuse, and sibling violence, frequently occur in the same household.
In the past 20 years, numerous programs and policies have been implemented to address this relationship between animal maltreatment and human violence. Throughout the United States, safe havens for pets offer shelter and resources for the companion animals of domestic violence survivors to better enable survivors to seek safety for themselves. In addition to these safe havens, 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico now have laws that permit the inclusion of pets in protection orders.
Despite its benefits, pet ownership may create an additional barrier for those who are experiencing housing insecurity. At this time, most shelters do not allow pets, and many individuals choose to remain unhoused rather than relinquish custody or leave their pets behind when entering a shelter. Working to expand the network of pet-friendly homeless shelters is one way to help overcome this barrier to safe housing. For more information, see Housing Insecurity with Pets.
AWI actively pursues partnerships with other organizations to offer resources, programs, and policies that address the important relationship between animal and human welfare. We work collaboratively with aligned groups, including the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, the Battered Women’s Justice Project, Don’t Forget the Pets, My Dog is My Home, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, National Domestic Violence Hotline, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Organization for Victim Advocacy, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, and RedRover.