Of the many dangers pets face in violent homes, veterinary neglect is a common yet rarely highlighted reality. Abusers often maintain strict control over the household budget and won't allow their victims to spend money on either routine or emergency veterinary care. As a result, many of the animals we help to board through our Safe Escape grant program are in need of veterinary care.

Lauren got attached to Kizzy the pit bull long before Kizzy became a part of Lauren’s family. Kizzy originally belonged to Lauren’s neighbor, who didn't take very good care of her. Five months earlier, Kizzy had escaped from her neighbor’s yard and was hit by a car, but Kizzy never received treatment. After months of pleading, Lauren finally convinced her neighbor to allow her to adopt Kizzy, and the first thing she did was take her to the vet.

Shelly welcomed Tyson into her family’s home last spring, only a few months after their beloved mastiff had passed away from old age. Shelly knew Tyson was meant to be a member of their family and he instantly bonded with their other dog.

Andy is a beloved indoor cat who, one day when his owner Amy wasn't looking, snuck outside and had an accident. When Amy finally found him, his jaw was obviously injured and and he was bleeding. Andy's family immediately took the injured cat to the ER vet and found out that Andy’s jaw was broken in two places, and that without surgery, he would not be able to eat.

Each week here at RedRover, we receive requests for help for pets of people facing domestic violence. The RedRover Safe Escape program provides financial assistance to place pets in a safe enviornment, such as a boarding facility, while their family resides safely at a domestic violence shelter. 

We received this letter from a family violence advocate, telling the story of Elizabeth* and her pets. Elizabeth and her family wouldn't be safe and sound today without your support – thank you!

Ellie Mae is an adorable beagle pup who was rescued from a very bad situation when she was only 10 weeks old. Her rescuers saw how she was being neglected and abused, and convinced the owners to give them Ellie Mae. They contacted their granddaughter, Danyelle, to see if she’d be willing to bring Ellie Mae into her home, and she said yes!