The Houston SPCA believes that victims of abuse should not have to lose their non-human family members to their abuser. Founded in 1996, the Houston SPCA’s PetSafe program assists families escaping abuse by keeping their beloved pets protected and healthy. This program provides temporary boarding, veterinary care, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering services for animals while their families seek safety and stability. By partnering with local women and family shelters, PetSafe enables both human and non-human family members to escape violence and potential harm. This support ensures that victims of abuse do not have to choose between their safety and the welfare of their pets.

Not only is there a significant chance that victims of domestic abuse will own a companion animal, but it is also highly likely that they will be reluctant to part with their pets due to strong emotional attachments to them. In an environment of fear and abuse, a pet may provide the only source of unconditional love and companionship for the victim. The thought of parting with a beloved pet causes additional stress and anxiety, and it places victims and their animals in danger by delaying their departure. In fact, 25% of victims of abuse will remain in an abusive situation out of fear for their pet’s safety, typically because they believe that their partner will harm or kill their pet.

In one particular study, 40% of women interviewed listed concern for their pets’ safety as the reason for delaying their arrival at a shelter.

Despite these facts and the demand for domestic violence programs to include pets, most women’s shelters do not allow animals on site.  As unfortunate as it may be, given the potential liabilities from allergies, bites, lack of kennels, and other factors, it is understandable that many women’s shelters would restrict animals. The Houston SPCA fills this gap so that victims of domestic violence do not have to make the choice between their pets and their own safety.