Rescuing Abused Animals
Because batterers often threaten to kill pets if the victim leaves, many victims delay seeking shelter and other domestic violence services because they are afraid to leave their pets behind. Most domestic violence shelters cannot accommodate animals and many animals, such as farm animals are far too large for a victim to take with her when she leaves.

Children can become especially attached to their pets during the many crises of domestic violence and may have come to rely on them for love and support. Leaving the animal behind is unthinkable to them and they may suffer serious trauma if separated from beloved pets.

In realization of these facts, domestic violence shelters have begun to work with local animal shelters to find accommodations for pets of domestic violence victims. Many animal shelters will provide free boarding to animals from violent homes and have also organized volunteers willing to take temporary custody of pets while families are in shelter or looking for new homes. Some domestic violence shelters have even been able to add kennels so that animals may accompany their families into the shelter - a huge benefit for traumatized children.