Urban Resource Institute (URI) and the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) present the PALS Report and Survey: Breaking Barriers to Safety and Healing, an insightful report and unique survey addressing the dynamic intersection of domestic violence and pets.
The report offers information, insights, solutions and calls to action for a cross-functional, multi-stakeholder approach to addressing the intersection of domestic violence and pets. The Report covers topics including the following and more:
Included in the report are the insights from the largest nationwide survey in the United States of domestic violence survivors focused on the impact of pets on survivors’ ability to leave a dangerous situation. URI partnered with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to gather the most extensive and comprehensive national data on how the consideration of pets affects domestic violence victims’ options and decision-making. This was the first time The Hotline conducted a survey about pets, and findings are clear: fear for the welfare of pets and the lack of pet-friendly shelter is a barrier that prevents survivors from leaving abusive situations to find safety and healing. Additionally, once in a safe location, separation from a beloved pet creates an additional trauma.
97%
of respondents said that keeping their pets with them is an important factor in deciding whether or not to seek shelter from domestic violence.
50%
of respondents would not consider shelter for themselves if they could not take their pets with them.
91%
of respondents indicated that their pets’ emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal
This holiday season, we invite you to make a gift to URI to support our work in transforming the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families. Donate to help them in their journey from surviving to thriving. Make a gift today!.