Safe Fur Spaces
NATIONAL STATISTICS
71% of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their batterer had threatened, injured, or killed family pets.
91% of domestic survivors indicated their pets’ emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal.
Nearly half (48%) of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving because they can't take their pets with them.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes.
Currently, fewer than 20 percent of domestic violence shelters accept pets.
“Today, fewer than 20 percent of domestic violence shelters accept pets, yet 48 percent of domestic abuse survivors have said they delay leaving an abusive situation because they can’t take their pets with them,” said Carla Patterson, senior director of marketing for Purina. “Once we heard those startling statistics, we knew we had to do something to help save lives at both ends of the leash.”
With a renovation this week, YWCA Greater Cincinnati will be the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in the region. Greater Good Charities, partnership with RedRover and Purina’s Purple Leash Project, are converting an existing building at the Francie Garber Pepper House of Healng into six pet-friendly rooms and outfit them with pet enrichment equipment, specialized cat-friendly spaces, new pet-friendly furniture and hallway traffic mirrors to enhance animal safety.
The renovation by team of staff and volunteers from Greater Good Charities, RedRover and Purina, will make it possible for survivors to find safety without having to make a devastating choice between their safety and the safety of their pets. It is part of a broader effort to help keep domestic violence survivors and their beloved pets together, with the goal of making 25% of domestic violence shelters pet-friendly by the end of 2025.
“YWCA Greater Cincinnati supports more than 700 domestic violence survivors each year with essential resources and shelter,” said Bryna Donnelly, executive vice president at Greater Good Charities. “It is an honor to help transform their facility into the region’s first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter. No one facing crisis should have to choose between safety and staying with their pet.”
The team will also construct a pet-relief yard and install tire tunnels for dogs to play and exercise off-leash. Outdoor lighting will be installed so residents can utilize the yard at night. A pet waste station and gravel will also be added for easy clean up. Other key additions include a pet washing and grooming station, offering survivors an easy, cost-effective way to care for their pets.
"YWCA Greater Cincinnati has operated the region’s only domestic violence shelter since the 1970s, and the grants from RedRover and Purina’s Purple Leash Project, and Greater Good Charities allow us to take a historic step forward,” said Rickell Howard Smith, president and CEO, YWCA Greater Cincinnati. “Not only are they providing much-needed funding, but they are also offering hands-on support, creating dedicated spaces to house survivors’ pets. Our new shelter will be the first in the region to welcome survivors and their pets, ensuring that no one has to choose between safety and leaving a beloved animal behind. We’re proud to lead the way in creating a more compassionate, complete path to healing for survivors and their entire families – pets included.”