Converting a shelter to make it pet friendly may seem daunting at first. Misgivings about funding and construction costs, liability and safety concerns, allergies and sanitation needs, and zoning and other issues could overwhelm nonprofit organizations weighing the idea.
However, prioritizing the safety and holistic healing of an entire family — including their pets — is paramount when fleeing domestic violence.
“We will often hear the sentiment that my pet is my home,” says Katie Campbell, President and CEO of RedRover. “If we aren’t saving pets, we aren’t saving people and vice versa.”
Nonprofits shouldn’t let uncertainties, or the fact that few shelters are pet friendly across the nation, deter them from the goal of providing a safe space for both survivors and their companions.
“It doesn’t cost a lot of money to do this programming if you are planning right,” Katie explains.
As the leader of an organization that provides emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education to strengthen the bond between people and animals, she and her team know that finding a safe haven for survivors and their pets can be a difficult challenge.
Many will stay in their car, become homeless, or return to their abuser when faced with the choice of possibly leaving their companion because their pet is their family. And in a home where intimate partner violence is occurring, animals are at risk, too.
Thankfully, more organizations than ever are actively working to house pets with their human family by taking advantage of training like the Don’t Forget the Pets online portal and in-person sessions offered by RedRover and Greater Good Charities. They’re also developing collaborative partnerships among human and animal services organizations, veterinarians, law enforcement, and others to create more safe havens.
“You’ve got to mind shift. This isn’t more work. This is different work,” she continues.
A Full-Service Agency for All
One shelter that’s prioritizing keeping survivors in crisis and pets together is SAFE in Hunterdon.
What began as a grassroots effort to provide services to women facing trauma related to domestic and sexual violence in 1978 has evolved to a full-service agency for all, including children and men. Its team focuses on crisis response, emergent housing and assistance with long-term housing, counseling, legal advocacy, prevention, and outreach programs. It also has a Domestic Violence Liaison who works closely with the state’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
“Domestic and sexual violence touches everybody; I think it is so important that your audience realize that their friends and neighbors, and perhaps even themselves, can find they need help as they heal from trauma,” says SAFE in Hunterdon’s Executive Director Lauren Van Metre.
To help keep survivors and their pets together, the organization is partnering with RedRover to set up a cattery room and an outdoor kennel to safely house dogs and cats. Since Hunterdon County is a rural area, the nonprofit aims to support all pets — including horses, goats, and rabbits — with the renovation.
“We have entered the planning stages, selected the building to utilize as an outdoor kennel, and are thrilled with the progress,” Lauren shares. “RedRover is helping us plan the interior of the kennel to maximize space and utility. It will feature heating, air conditioning, a play space. And meet the needs of our guests.”
Expanding Access & Facing Funding Cuts
Despite the excitement over expanding its access with the additional space, SAFE in Hunterdon is facing federal funding freezes and state funding cuts like many nonprofit organizations across New Jersey and the nation.
“We have seen our state and federal funding cut and expect more cuts in the near future,” Lauren says. “Slashing a bare bones budget that provides critical and life-saving services to those fleeing domestic and sexual violence is the biggest challenge the organization has faced this year and, perhaps, in the history of SAFE in Hunterdon.”
The organization continues to diversify its funding streams by reaching out to private funders, foundations, and those who support its cause. It also has been conducting more public outreach to shine the spotlight, not only on available services but also on the cuts that are negatively impacting its ability to serve communities.
“I’d love to personally speak with anyone interested in supporting our programs. Clients truly benefit from the unique partnership between those who fund our services and our leadership team,” Lauren says. “It is critical to me that funders see where their dollars are going. SAFE had a 13% administrative cost last year, which included things like audits. [And] that is a number I am really proud of!”
She also looks forward to hearing funders’ ideas for programs they would like to support and get behind.
“I love it when people reach out directly to get the important conversations going,” Lauren adds.
To learn more about SAFE in Hunterdon, contact Lauren directly at lbivona@safeinhunterdon.org.