Safe Havens for Pets

Overview

Safe havens for pets are sheltering services available to help individuals experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness place their companion animals out of harm’s way so that they may seek safe shelter for themselves.

The Safe Havens for Pets directory is a searchable directory established in 2011 for pets of those experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness, created and managed by AWI.

What Are Safe Havens for Pets?

Safe havens operate differently from one community to another. They may involve networks of foster homes or partnerships with local kennels, animal shelters, or veterinarians. Some domestic violence and homeless shelters may house survivors and their pets together in the same room, while others provide on-site kennels. Safe havens can be independent nonprofit organizations or formal partnerships between animal welfare and human service agencies. Specific arrangements, including length of stay and visitation options, vary from one safe haven to another. In all cases, the pet’s location should be highly guarded in order to protect the pets and their family members.

What Is the Safe Havens for Pets Directory?

AWI launched the Safe Havens for Pets directory in 2011 to help domestic violence survivors with pets find sheltering resources for their companion animals while they seek safety for themselves. In 2025, the Safe Havens for Pets directory was expanded to include sheltering services that help individuals who are experiencing homelessness with a pet. Entities included in the directory—which is continually refined and updated—provide sheltering services for the animals of domestic violence survivors or the unhoused, have a relationship with an entity that does, or provide referrals to such facilities.

Search the AWI Safe Havens for Pets Directory