Seven newly pet-friendly DV shelters with Safe Housing
June 5th, 2023
By Sheri Madsen, Public Relations Manager
Not only has RedRover reached a milestone by awarding $572,502 in Safe Housing grants in this latest round of funding – the most ever for a single round – but 7 of the 11 domestic violence shelter grantees will be able to welcome pets for the first time!
RedRover President and CEO Nicole Forsyth said, “We’re thrilled these grants can help domestic violence shelters overcome barriers to creating pet-friendly spaces, enabling even more survivors and their pets to escape abuse. We will keep working diligently to ensure that 25% of domestic violence shelters become pet friendly by 2025.”
Below are the seven shelters who will welcome pets onsite for the first time:
RedRover + Purina Purple Leash Project DV Shelter Grantees:
- The Women’s Safe House, St. Louis County, Missouri ($60,000): creating The Pet Safe House program which will include a climate controlled kennel with pet suites, and outdoor pet runs
- Safelight Inc., Henderson County, North Carolina ($60,000): building two new pet dens, and dog and cat kennels
- F.A.I.T.H. Inc., Rabun County, Georgia ($60,000): creating Ken’s Kennels program which include dog and cat kennels
- Schuylkill Hope Center, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania ($60,000): complete climate controlled kenneling facility, purchased pet supplies, and funding for veterinary care
DV Shelter Grantees:
- Sunrise of Pasco County, Inc., Pasco County, Florida ($60,000): building new climate controlled dog retreat with separate rooms and doggy doors that lead to enclosed pet relief areas, installing exterior wash station, and furnishing a living room for pets and survivors
- Peace River Center for Personal Development, Inc., Polk County, Florida ($60,000): constructing new onsite climate controlled dog and cat kennels, building outdoor dog run, and installing artificial turf
- Steps to End Domestic Violence, Chittenden County, Vermont ($57,000): renovating rooms, building a fenced-in play yard, purchasing pet supplies, and funding for veterinary care
“Steps to End Domestic Violence is thrilled to receive RedRover’s Safe Housing grant! It increases access to our services by transforming our shelter into a pet-friendly facility,” said Executive Director Nicole Kubon. “Soon we’ll be welcoming all pets into our building, removing a significant barrier for many survivors in their efforts to flee domestic violence. No one should have to leave their pets behind and, thanks to RedRover, the people we serve won’t have to.”
