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.

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.

URI shelters provide safety and refuge to hundreds of 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 animal-friendly units in some of its shelters so survivors do not have to abandon a beloved pet in order to enter a URI shelter.

Urban Resource Institute
205 East 42 Street, 13th floor
New York, NY 10017
General email: info@urinyc.org
PALS email:  PALSinfo@urinyc.org

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

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
Phone TTY: 1-800-787-3224
Website: thehotline.org

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.

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.

Find domestic violence shelters that offer a pet program.