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RedRover Hits $3M Milestone For Pets of Domestic Violence Survivors

Julia Rivera//November 15, 2022//

woman, dog and cat

RedRover Hits $3M Milestone For Pets of Domestic Violence Survivors

Julia Rivera //November 15, 2022//

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Press release: RedRover

RedRover has reached a major milestone by awarding more than $3 million in Safe Housing grants! Safe Housing grants enable domestic violence (DV) shelters to create on- and off-site space to house survivors’ pets. Five of the grants are RedRover + Purina Purple Leash Project grants, an extension of RedRover’s Safe Housing grants, funded by Purina.

Pets and Domestic Violence:

  • As many as 71 percent of pet-owning women entering DV shelters report their abuser injured, killed, or threatened family pets.
  • Up to 48 percent of DV victims reported delaying leaving their abusers for fear of what would happen if they had to leave their pets behind.
  • Currently, only 15 percent of DV shelters nationwide can house pets.

RedRover president and CEO Nicole Forsyth said, “Pets are family and a source of great comfort at a time of crisis. Providing funding so shelters can build pet-friendly spaces allows survivors and their beloved pets a safe space to escape together and begin their healing process.”

This grant cycle, RedRover has given $421,675 in grant funds to nine domestic violence shelters nationwide, five of which can welcome pets for the first time*:

Purple Leash Project Grantees (funded by Purina):

  • Doorways, Arlington County, Virginia – $60,000
  • *YWCA Missoula, Missoula County, Montana – $20,000
  • *YWCA NorthEastern New York, Schenectady County, New York – $60,000
  • *Battered Women’s Shelter, Summit County, Ohio – $60,000
  • Newhouse, Jackson County, Missouri – $58,275

Safe Housing Grantees:

  • Center for Prevention of Abuse (CFPA), Peoria County, Illinois – $53,400
  • S.H.A.R.E. House, Inc., Douglas County, Georgia – $30,000
  • *Haven, Gallatin County, Montana – $60,000
  • *Safe Voices, Franklin County, Maine – $20,000

“Together with RedRover, we are building toward a future where survivors and their pets have more options to leave and find safety together,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO and president of Purina. “Providing Purple Leash Project grants to shelters is key to reaching our goal of helping to ensure that at least 25 percent of DV shelters are pet-friendly by the end of 2025. And we are well on our way.”

Safe Housing grants are available up to $60,000 and can be used to build or renovate spaces dedicated to housing survivors’ pets, to create a foster program, to pay for temporary boarding, or can be used for a combination of services. Funds may also go toward routine veterinary care, emergency veterinary care, and pet deposits.

Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Media Counties CEO Teresa Stafford said, “As the largest domestic violence shelter in the state of Ohio, we are thrilled to have the support from RedRover and Purina’s Purple Leash Project to build the Hope & Healing Pet Shelter. Providing a safe and secure location for pets of the families we serve who are fleeing unsafe homes is a game changer. Thanks to this grant, we are eliminating one more barrier that keeps people from entering shelter when they are ready to begin their healing journey with BWS.”

“Safe Voices knows the power of animals to help people heal, and it’s so important to us to ensure that survivors entering our shelter are able to do so with the pet they know, love, and who will bring them comfort,” said Safe Voices director of shelter and housing Noelle Coyne. “These animals have often been subject to the abuser’s mistreatment, so having a pet friendly shelter is not just good for survivors – it’s also safest for pets. We’re so grateful to work with RedRover, because they understand all of that.”

“We often look to our pets as a source of support and unconditional love, during happy times and also during times of crisis,” said Carol Merna, chief executive officer of Center for Prevention of Abuse. “Thanks to RedRover and the $53,000 grant they have awarded CFPA, our clients can focus on healing in our shelter and know their beloved pets are safe and well taken care of with our partners at Tender Care Animal Hospital.”

Safe Housing grant application deadlines are March 1, June 1 and September 1.