A unique animal shelter in Encinitas, California is helping abused women by helping care for their pets. The shelter works in conjunction with women’s shelters to provide abuse victims with a safe place for their beloved animals. It’s something most of us don’t even think about, but there is a big need for this kind of program across the country. Domestic abuse shelters will not take your pets, which makes it that much harder for women in abusive relationships to leave; they are already dealing with so much trauma and loss, the thought of leaving their pet behind too is unbearable.
When someone is in an abusive relationship, every family member suffers, including the pets, who often become pawns in the relationship, used to exert power and control. The abusive party can use the animal to keep that person in the relationship, and may even abuse the pets. At the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, they’ve seen the impact this can have on pets. They’ve housed more than 400 pets in their Animal Safe House Program, while women get themselves back on their feet.
Recent statistics show close to 40 percent of battered women believe they have no options. Many are so concerned about staying with their pets, they put off finding help. This program offers victims a chance to get out of a bad relationship and save their animals, and takes in 50-60 pets a year. The animals of domestic violence victims can stay at the shelter for up to three months at no cost, as long as that victim is staying in a shelter.
