Create a Safety Plan that Includes Your Pet
If you are planning to stay...
- 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, a safe haven for pets program)
- Pack a bag for your pet that includes:
- food
- medicine
- documents of ownership (receipts from adoption or purchase of pet, license to establish ownership, receipts for animal purchases)
- health documents (veterinary or vaccination records)
- leash
- lease
- ID and rabies tag, if a dog or cat (these will also help establish ownership)
- 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
*Sources: The People's Law of Maryland, Ahimsa House