Protecting Paws For Life

It is crucial for human service providers—such as those working for domestic violence hotlines or shelters—to incorporate intake questions about companion animals. Asking about someone’s pets can help identify barriers to seeking safety and better connect clients with resources that support the entire family. By obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the situation, providers can help safeguard as many lives as possible.

🐾 DELIVERIES THIS WEEK! 💜

Another week, another car full of supplies headed to the pets and families who need them! 🚗🐾

This week, Protecting Paws for Life was proud to make deliveries to SPARCC Sarasota and CASA Citrus, providing much-needed pet food, treats, and other supplies.

These deliveries help domestic violence partner agencies care for the beloved pets of families going through difficult times, helping make it possible for people and their pets to stay together. ❤️

A HUGE thank-you to everyone who donated, shopped our wish lists, hosted donation boxes, or simply shared our posts. Every bag of food, can of litter, blanket, treat, and dollar makes a difference. 🐶🐱

Together, we’re making sure that when a family seeks safety, their pets don’t have to be left behind. 💜🐾

Thank you for helping us keep pets and families together!

🐾 Shelters Need Pet Support Too

Domestic violence shelters work every day to provide safety and support for survivors. But caring for pets can add another layer of challenges and responsibilities.

That’s where Protecting Paws for Life can help. PPFL provides domestic violence shelters with:

🐾 Low/No-Cost Veterinary Wellness Care
🐾 Behavior Consultation & Training for Dogs
🐾 Intake & Disease Control Protocols
🐾 Staff Training for Animal Care & Handling
🐾 Fear-Free Pet Housing Design
🐾 Pet Food & Supply Collections

By supporting the pets, we help shelters better support the whole family and give survivors one less thing to worry about. Help us to help them:
https://protectingpawsforlife.org/pet-supplies-needed

Pets are family. Their safety matters, too. ❤️🐾

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🐾 Pets May Be Hidden

Some survivors temporarily hide their pets, move them between trusted friends or family members, or make other arrangements to keep them safe from an abusive partner.

A pet may stay in another home, with a trusted person, or in temporary foster care while the survivor works toward a safer situation. These arrangements can be difficult and emotional, but sometimes they are necessary to protect an animal from being threatened, harmed, or used as a way to control the survivor.

A survivor may also have to make difficult decisions about where their pet can safely stay without revealing their location.

When a pet is temporarily out of sight, it doesn't mean they've been forgotten. Sometimes, keeping them hidden is an act of love and protection. ❤️🐾

Safe options for pets can give survivors one more reason and one more opportunity to leave safely. Check out these Pet-Friendly Domestic Violence Shelters: https://saftprogram.org/shelters/

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🐾 Leaving Doesn't Always Happen All at Once

Leaving an abusive relationship isn't always as simple as walking out the door. For many survivors, leaving requires careful planning, preparation, and finding safe resources, sometimes over days, weeks, or even longer.

When a beloved pet is involved, that planning can become even more complicated. Finding a safe place for the pet, arranging transportation, gathering food and medications, securing veterinary records, and making sure the animal will be safe can all be part of the plan.

A survivor may need to wait for the right opportunity to leave safely and that doesn't mean they aren't trying.

Sometimes safety starts with a plan. And that plan should include every member of the family. ❤️🐾

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