We post this as a resource for Pets and pet owners:

May is National Pet Month, and it is important to recognize the large intersection of Domestic Violence and animal abuse, as nearly half of domestic violence will not leave their pet behind. Children especially can be traumatized by leaving an animal behind because they have witnessed the threats or harm to their beloved pets. We’ve also seen a huge therapeutic value and positive health outcomes that pets have in healing including lower blood pressure and reduced anxiety.

In recent weeks, the media has raised many concerns for pet owners and the ability for animals to contract and pass on the Coronavirus. Additionally, the added stress of the pandemic are known triggers for abuse of pets, partners, and children. 

Urban Resource Institute is the largest provider of domestic violence shelter and services in the US based out in NYC, and one of 3% of shelters in the country that provides pet-friendly domestic violence shelters. The People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program was launched in 2013 and has since expanded to seven shelters throughout New York City, providing a place for survivors and their pets to live and heal together in the same apartment. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, PALS has accepted their 300th pet. 

URI created the program in order to break down this barrier that victims face in escaping abuse, and highlight the intense role that pets play in domestic violence that is so often overlooked.