Domestic Abuse and Pet-Friendly Shelters

A significant issue for domestic abuse survivors is the inability to bring their pets with them when seeking shelter, leading many to delay leaving abusive situations. Studies indicate that one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and nearly half of survivors feel hindered by their pets' welfare. To address this barrier, initiatives like the Purple Leash Project have been launched, which aim to increase the availability of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters across the country. This approach not only helps survivors escape dangerous environments but also fosters a healing process by allowing them to stay with their beloved pets.