Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A Year-Round Commitment to Pets and Their Owners

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence and the myriad challenges faced by victims. However, for organizations like Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, in collaboration with Sojourner Center and A New Leaf’s Autumn House, the commitment to supporting victims and their pets extends far beyond a single month. Their year-round efforts aim to address the unique challenges faced by pet owners who are escaping domestic violence situations.

A Collaborative Approach to Support

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, Sojourner Center, and Autumn House have pooled their resources to create a comprehensive support system for victims of domestic violence. This partnership ensures that individuals can leave abusive environments without the fear of abandoning their beloved pets. The initiative provides a safe haven for pets, including on-site kennels and temporary foster care, as well as essential services such as training, emotional support, and access to pet food and community resources.

Jodi Polanski, founder and executive director of Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, emphasizes the importance of this collaborative effort. “We are dedicated to helping people and pets through crisis situations,” she states. “Our partnerships allow us to assist vulnerable members of the community by removing the fear of leaving a pet behind in an unsafe space. Together, we are helping put families at ease during an already stressful transition.”

The Importance of Keeping Pets with Their Owners

A national survey conducted by The Urban Resource Institute and the National Domestic Violence Hotline reveals a striking statistic: 97% of respondents indicated that the ability to keep their pets with them is a crucial factor in deciding whether to seek shelter. This highlights the deep bond between pets and their owners and underscores the necessity of integrating pet care into domestic violence support services.

Since 2015, Sojourner Center has partnered with Lost Our Home to provide a safe shelter option for families while their pets find refuge at Lost Our Home facilities. The program has evolved to include an on-site shelter as part of Sojourner Center’s pet companion services, where Lost Our Home continues to assist with pet care, training, and therapy.

Innovative Solutions for Families in Crisis

Sojourner Center has made significant strides in enhancing its pet companion services. The center now features six fully renovated suite-style rooms where survivors and their pets can stay together during their time in emergency shelter. These pet-friendly suites, unveiled last year, are equipped with updated furnishings, dog doors, private bathrooms, and are conveniently located next to a brand-new dog park.

Bailey DeRoest, co-director at Sojourner Center, emphasizes the importance of this initiative. “Our partnership with Lost Our Home Pet Rescue underscores our commitment to holistic support for survivors. To date, we have helped nearly 600 pets through the partnership,” she explains. “We believe that keeping families together—including their pets—can play a vital role in the healing process.”

Addressing the Impact of Domestic Violence on Pets

The effects of domestic violence extend beyond human victims; pets often suffer as well. The same survey reported that 76% of respondents observed noticeable changes in their pets’ behavior as a result of abuse. Recognizing this, Autumn House, operated by A New Leaf, collaborates with Lost Our Home and Sojourner Center to provide training programs for pet companion specialists. This initiative includes support for families with pets, guidance for training, and access to shared veterinary clinic resources.

Alicia Misilao, program manager at Autumn House, notes the transformative impact of these services. “It’s been a game changer to offer support to our families and their pets,” she states. “We can help care for them while they are at work, and we have access to a shared veterinary to provide care at a reduced cost. The program is working really well, and we look forward to growing it.”

Comprehensive Services for Pets in Crisis

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue offers a range of services designed to support pet owners in crisis. These include temporary pet care for up to 90 days and access to a pet food bank for those in need. Since its founding in 2008, Lost Our Home has been dedicated to rescuing pets abandoned or at risk of homelessness due to various life crises, including domestic violence. The organization has helped over 34,000 pets, adopted more than 10,000, and provided over 130,600 nights of safe shelter to pets whose owners were in crisis.

Conclusion: A Lifeline for Families

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by victims and their pets. The collaborative efforts of Lost Our Home Pet Rescue, Sojourner Center, and Autumn House exemplify a compassionate approach to addressing these challenges. By ensuring that pets are cared for and can remain with their owners during times of crisis, these organizations are not only providing essential services but also fostering healing and hope for families in need.

For more information about Lost Our Home Pet Rescue and their invaluable services, visit lostourhome.org or call (602) 445-7387 (PETS). Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence and ensure that no one has to choose between their safety and their pets.