"Aiding Victims of Abuse and Neglect"
No one should feel they are unable to leave a violent situation. There is help if the safety of a pet is preventing you from leaving.
WARNING SIGNS....
- Shooting at or terrorizing pets;
- Kicking or beating pets;
- Not feeding animals for days;
- Throwing pets across the room, down the stairs, at the wall, etc.;
- Hitting pets with a closed fist;
- Tormenting pets in any way;
- Any animal abuse in front of children.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY PET?
When there is violence in the home, it's important to have an emergency plan for sheltering yourself, your children and your pets.
IF I LEAVE WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF MY PET?
Most domestic violence shelters are unable to shelter your pets. Against Abuse, Inc. has created a temporary program called the Animal Safe Home Network (ASHN) to protect the safety of your pet.
WHAT ANIMALS CAN I SEND?
- Dogs, cats, birds,
- Small, caged animals (e.g. rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils,)
- Caged reptiles.
If your animal is not listed, feel free to call, we may be able to refer you to another program. (Animals deemed vicious or dangerous may be excluded from the program.)
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY PET ONCE IN THE ASHN?
Upon referral, the ASHN Coordinator will make arrangements to place your pet with one of our trained volunteers. Your pet will receive a veterinary check up and basic incoculations (if needed.) All volunteer and client information will remain confidential therefore neither party will ever meet.
Updates on the pets' health, happiness, and well-being will be relayed via ASHN staff and/or case managers. Placement is temporary. The usual length of stay is 45 days, although exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Facts:
- People who abuse animals rarely stop there,
- In 88% of families where domestic violence is an issue, animals are also abused. This means most women and children who seek shelter leave at least one pet behind,
- According to studies 18% to 40% of women seeking shelter at a crisis center report that concern for their pets' welfare prevented them from seeking shelter, in some cases, for more than two (2) months,
- We are in need of volunteers who love animals.
To volunteer as an animal safe home, please contact the DV Community Outreach Supervisor at: (520) 836-0858 or (520) 836-1239 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "Se Habla Español"
HOW YOU CAN HELP!
We are in need of "foster parents" for companion animals. With your compassion and kindness you can give a domestic violence victim peace of mind, knowing their pet is in a safe, loving enviornment.
REQUIREMENTS
- Provide a safe environment,
- Complete a brief training and an in-home visit,
- Agree to provide temporary shelter for 45-60 days,
- Be able to administer feedings, exercise and medication as requested,
- Maintain communication with ASHN Staff regarding the status of the pet.
In collaboration with other entitites, expenses such as food and tags are NOT the responsibility of the volunteer.