No Paw Left Behind
By Kimberly Spina, Rescue Rebuild Program Manager
Nearly 50% of pet-owning women delay leaving an abusive home because they are afraid for the lives of their pets. Seventy-one percent of pet-owning women entering women’s shelters reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). While there are nearly 1,500 shelters for victims of domestic abuse in the United States, very few can accommodate animals. This leaves women in a position where they feel trapped – either remain in a threatening situation or leave their pets behind. GreaterGood.org’s solution? Create safe spaces where domestic violence victims, their children, and their pets can all go together. Our Rescue Rebuild program has expanded their work into creating or upgrading pet-friendly housing options for at-risk people requiring either temporary emergency shelter or long-term transitional housing. Most recently the Rescue Rebuild team headed toRefuge House in Tallahassee, FL and with the help of our partners at RedRover got straight to work! The shelter boasted a large space that wasn’t being used to its potential. The team was able to convert this one room into three: a dog kennel, a cat room, and a pet-friendly living room.



If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, please call the National Domestic Violence line at 1-800-799-7233.