Domestic Violence & Pets
Victims of domestic violence who have pets often face the agonizing decision to flee and leave their pets behind, because very few domestic violence shelters accept pets. These resources might be helpful.
Urban Resource Institute (URI)
URI shelters provide safety and refuge to over 600 domestic abuse survivors, giving them the space and support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. URI's People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program also offers 50 animal-friendly units across four shelters so survivors do not have to abandon a beloved pet in order to enter a URI shelter.
Urban Resource Institute – Central Office
75 Broad Street, Suite 505, New York, New York 10004
Phone: (646) 588-0030
Email: info@urinyc.org
Domestic Violence Hotlines
If you need help escaping domestic abuse or are a family in need of shelter, contact:
NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline Phone: 1-800-621-HOPE (1-800-621-4673) Website: www1.nyc.gov |
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National Domestic Violence Hotline Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) Phone TTY: 1-800-787-3224 Website: thehotline.org |
Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T)
The shelters listed on the SAF-T Program website are equipped to accept families of domestic violence along with their pets. There is no guarantee that a shelter can help, so please check with each shelter regarding what pets are welcome and availability. Some shelters may also take out-of-state residents.
If you feel you are unable to leave an abusive relationship because of concern for your pets, RedRover's Safe Place for Pets directory makes it easy for victims and shelter advocates to locate existing programs that can house victims' pets.
Website: SafePlaceforPets.org
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)
ACC's Community Pets Program might also be able to help by providing short-term care for pets of victims of domestic violence.
The Safe Havens Mapping Project is a searchable directory for pets of those experiencing domestic violence, created and managed by the Animal Welfare Institute.
