SAFE PETS coordinates confidential, temporary foster care to ensure the safety of domestic violence survivors’ pets if they cannot bring them to the emergency shelter or other temporary living situations.
SAFE PETS helps survivors plan for their pets’ needs when leaving an abusive partner. Learning as much as possible about the pets in advance can help us coordinate the most suitable temporary home. For our clients, DVS can also assist with:
- Coordination of the pet’s veterinarian records and license records.
- Food
- Medications
- Other supplies and items that pets and owners need.
Research shows abusers often have a pattern of violence towards all members of the household – including children and pets. When domestic violence survivors seek to flee their abusers, many are faced with the challenge of finding shelter for themselves, their children, and their pets.
Many shelters do not have the means to house companion animals. Sadly, many survivors stay in abusive homes for fear of subjecting their animals to continued abuse if they’re left behind, or worse yet, torture or death.
For more information, please contact Angela Keen at akeen@caplanc.org
About Domestic Violence Services
DVS is a catalyst to eliminate domestic violence in Lancaster County through direct service, advocacy, and social change. DVS offers 24/7 hotline and text line, emergency shelter, counseling, children’s programming, legal advocacy and representation, and transitional housing. All services are free of charge and strictly confidential. DVS hosts professional trainings and community education and prevention sessions for schools, businesses and community and faith-based organizations. For more information, visit caplanc.org/DVS.
About Community Action Partnership
The Community Action Partnership is Lancaster County’s largest anti-poverty organization, helping low-income families achieve economic empowerment. CAP’s service profile interrupts generational poverty with programs that support families and individuals at every age and place in life, in the areas of education, health, household stability and safety and empowerment. For more information, visit www.caplanc.org.