• 98% of Americans consider pets to be companions or members of the family.
• 71% of pet-owning survivors reported that their batterer had injured, maimed, killed or threatened family pets for revenge or to psychologically control victims.
• Abusers kill, harm or threaten children’s pets to coerce them into sexual abuse or to force them to remain silent about abuse.
• More than 50% of survivors of domestic violence say they are unable to escape abusive situations because they worry about what will happen to their pets should they leave.

In 2012, Rose Brooks Center became the first domestic violence shelter in the region to welcome four-legged family members.
The idea for this incredible project was born, when a woman called our hotline after her boyfriend had beaten her – almost to death – with a hammer. Immediately we found space for this young woman. There was one problem. She had a 110-pound Great Dane whom she refused to leave behind. The dog had saved her life by lying on top of her during the attack and taking the majority of the blows. As a result, he sustained many broken bones.

The giant Dane was the first animal to live at Rose Brooks Center, but he was only the first. As both healed from their injuries, it became abundantly clear early on that the amazing therapeutic benefit pets can have on a family greatly outweighed the cost of housing them.

Today we have a wonderful pet shelter with state-of-the art kennels for dogs, cats, and other family pets. Owners have 24/7 access to their pets within the safety of the shelter to walk, run, and play. Our pet advocate and pet volunteers offer enrichment activities and coordinate vet care for the animals to help make sure they are happy and healthy.

In 2017 Rose Brooks Center’s Paws Place provided over 4,000 nights of safety safe for family pets.

A Safety Plan That Includes Your Pet
If you’re creating a safety plan of your own to leave an abusive relationship, safety planning for your pets is important as well. To learn more about a safety plan that includes your pet(s), please visit HERE.

Help ensure families like this aren’t torn apart.

Through the support of our generous donors, Paws Place is possible. Through your help we are able to provide food, vet care, and a Pet Advocate so that the Paws Place is warm and welcoming place for all our animal residents. Help us care for the entire family by supporting our Pet Shelter.

Paws Up to our Pet Partners