The Power to Keep Pets and their People Together
March 18th, 2026
By Laurel Meleski, Director of Operations –
I’ve had the privilege of seeing thousands of pets helped and safe nights granted through RedRover Relief Safe Escape and Safe Housing grants for families escaping abuse. What is the lasting effect on these families? How can community organizations provide for pet families who’ve supported each other through the darkest times in their lives, and want to stay together? And, how has integrating grants for homeless shelters changed the landscape for RedRover Relief Safe Housing grants?
For families: the impact of Safe Escape grants on individuals with pets
To help protect survivors’ safety and confidentiality, we follow up with domestic violence shelter advocates to ask what receiving Safe Escape assistance means to survivors. We consistently hear back that it meant the world to them, that they would not have left if they had to leave their pet behind, and that knowing that their animals are being well taken care of gives the survivors the freedom to focus on themselves.
For people experiencing homelessness: the homeless shelter pilot program has become a permanent piece of RedRover
We get to keep helping more pets and people! We’ve known of the connections between domestic violence and homelessness for years, and have been working toward this program for a very long time. RedRover created this pilot program in 2024. To be able to make it permanent, and to help folks experiencing homelessness regardless of circumstance, is a wonderful feeling.
<< You can help us raise $30,000 for animals in crisis and pet communities in need from April 23 through Big Day of Giving on May 7 >>
For community organizations: how to apply for a RedRover Relief Safe Housing grant
Aside from reviewing the guidelines on our website, one of the first things I’d recommend is requesting a PDF of the application as early as possible when thinking about applying. That way applicants are able to see exactly what information we’re looking for on these Safe Housing applications. We’re hoping for answers that are tailored to that specific organization’s needs, so I’d recommend avoiding answering with general statistics or information that is focused on the overall landscape of building programs to keep pets in DV situations, or those experiencing homelessness, safe.
Also, attending the Don’t Forget the Pets (DFTP) training, using the resources on the DFTP website, and participating in the DFTP Coaching Program are great ways to prepare to apply.
You can also send an email inquiry to grant@RedRover.org. While we will only review applications during the official grant cycles, we’re always open to answering questions from prospective applicants. We want to hear from you, we want your questions, we want to help you make the best application you possibly can!
