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Domestic violence affects pets, not just people

As many as 48% of domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations because they don’t want to leave their pet behind. Very few domestic violence shelters in the U.S. provide co-sheltering options for victims and their pets, forcing them to abandon their pets to enter shelter or remain in an unsafe environment and risk further abuse.

We believe pets are cherished members of the family

Nearly 68% of American families own a pet and the human-animal bond is important to well-being, especially in time of distress. Many abuse victims refuse to leave their pets behind when fleeing dangerous situations including domestic violence.

With only 3% domestic violence shelters in the U.S. providing co-living options for survivors and their pets, individuals are often forced to make the nearly impossible choice of abandoning their pets to enter a domestic violence shelter, or remaining in an unsafe environment and risking further abuse.

Pets are the hidden victim of domestic violence

Trauma doesn’t discriminate against species and pets experience domestic violence in similar ways to people. Pets are often used as leverage to further threaten, harm, or control victims. In some cases may intervene, leading them to become a direct target of an abuser.

Escaping domestic violence along with your pet is not only for their protection. Studies show that the presence of pets is important for the well-being of people who are sick or under stress, and can promote healing. Other research suggests that pets can help reduce blood pressure and fatigue in people, and can increase the presence of feel-good hormones that create feelings of calm.

How we help

PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) was established in 2013 to provide co-living options for families and their pets.

As the first program of its kind in New York City and a pioneer in the nation, PALS brings comfort and joy to families and individuals seeking refuge at URI shelters by keeping families and their pets together. We currently offer 172 apartments across five residences that allow families and pets to live and heal together in the same apartment.