People and Pets in Crisis
The human-animal bond is mutually beneficial, and the welfare of people and their pets is inextricably linked. At times, the welfare of both is jeopardized by concerns such as homelessness or abuse. One way AWI is bringing awareness to the relationship between human and animal welfare is through its Safe Havens for Pets project. The searchable Safe Havens for Pets directory lists sheltering services for pets of those experiencing interpersonal violence or homelessness and provides resources for professionals who are dedicated to protecting people and their pets.
In most cases, companion animals are cherished members of the family. However, there are situations in which pets are at-risk or mistreated—in the home and in the community. Surveys of domestic violence survivors reveal that up to 89 percent report that their pets were threatened, harmed, or killed by their abuser. Research also indicates that animal abuse and other forms of family violence, such as child abuse, elder abuse, and sibling violence, frequently occur in the same household.
In the past 20 years, numerous programs and policies have been implemented to address this relationship between animal maltreatment and human violence. Throughout the United States, safe havens for pets offer shelter and resources for the companion animals of domestic violence survivors to better enable survivors to seek safety for themselves. In addition to these safe havens, 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico now have laws that permit the inclusion of pets in protection orders.