Renovations will help provide life-changing support for domestic violence survivors with pets
Cincinnati, OH. (July 7, 2025) – Greater Good Charities, in partnership with RedRover and Purina’s Purple Leash Project, is helping YWCA Greater Cincinnati become the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in the region. This renovation will make it possible for survivors to find safety without having to make a devastating choice between their safety and the safety of their pets. It is part of a broader effort to help keep domestic violence survivors and their beloved pets together, with the goal of making 25% of domestic violence shelters pet-friendly by the end of 2025.
“YWCA Greater Cincinnati supports more than 700 domestic violence survivors each year with essential resources and shelter,” said Bryna Donnelly, Executive Vice President at Greater Good Charities. “It is an honor to help transform their facility into the region’s first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter. No one facing crisis should have to choose between safety and staying with their pet.”
The renovation is taking place July 14-18, 2025, and the team will consist of staff and volunteers from Greater Good Charities, RedRover and Purina. The group will convert an existing building into six pet-friendly rooms and outfit them with pet enrichment equipment, specialized cat-friendly spaces, new pet-friendly furniture and hallway traffic mirrors to enhance animal safety.
RedRover President and CEO Katie Campbell said, “We are thrilled to support YWCA Greater Cincinnati in bringing survivors’ cherished pets on-site for the first time. This shelter transformation allows more survivors and their pets to escape abuse and begin their healing process together. “
The team will also construct a pet-relief yard and install tire tunnels for dogs to play and exercise off-leash. Outdoor lighting will be installed so residents can utilize the yard at night. A pet waste station and gravel will also be added for easy clean up. Other key additions include a pet washing and grooming station, offering survivors an easy, cost-effective way to care for their pets.
“Helping YWCA Greater Cincinnati become pet-friendly through our Purple Leash Project is one of many ways Purina is actively investing in the region as we continue construction of our new pet food factory in Williamsburg Township,” said Purina CEO Nina Leigh Krueger. “Today, fewer than 20 percent of domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accept pets. It’s important that we work together with others to help change that across the country and in the communities that Purina calls home.”
NATIONAL STATISTICS:
- 71% of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their batterer had threatened, injured, or killed family pets.
- 91% of domestic survivors indicated their pets’ emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal.
- Nearly half (48%) of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving because they can’t take their pets with them.
- 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes.
- Currently, fewer than 20 percent of domestic violence shelters accept pets.
“YWCA Greater Cincinnati has operated the region’s only domestic violence shelter since the 1970s — and the grants from RedRover and Purina’s Purple Leash Project, and Greater Good Charities allow us to take a historic step forward,” said Rickell Howard Smith, President & CEO, YWCA Greater Cincinnati. “Not only are they providing much-needed funding, but they are also offering hands-on support, creating dedicated spaces to house survivors’ pets. Our new shelter will be the first in the region to welcome survivors and their pets, ensuring that no one has to choose between safety and leaving a beloved animal behind. We’re proud to lead the way in creating a more compassionate, complete path to healing for survivors and their entire families — pets included.”
Since 2014, Greater Good Charities has recruited over 6,000 volunteers from all over the country to renovate more than 205 animal shelters, domestic violence shelters, wildlife facilities, and housing for veterans and those unsheltered. To learn more about Greater Good Charities, please visit greatergood.org.
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About Greater Good Charities
Greater Good Charities is a 501(c)(3) global nonprofit organization that works to help people, animals, and the environment by mobilizing in response to need and amplifying the good. Greater Good Charities, with a Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal on GuideStar, has invested more than $750 million in impact, including cash grants, in-kind supplies, and programmatic support, to charitable partners in 121 countries since 2006. To learn more about how Greater Good Charities is amplifying the good across the globe, please visit greatergood.org or follow Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and TikTok.
About YWCA Greater Cincinnati
YWCA Greater Cincinnati is a nonprofit organization with the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. We have been at the forefront of the most pressing social movements and addressing issues affecting women, girls, and people of color for 157 years. Every day we stand up for survivors of domestic violence by providing safety, support, and stability. We foster dialogue, provide practical resources, educate, and initiate social change that will create a community of peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. We do this work boldly, unapologetically, and collaboratively, fueled with the fierce urgency of now. YWCA Greater Cincinnati is a United Way partner agency. Worldwide, the YWCA impacts more than 25 million people in over 120 countries. For information, visit www.ywcacincinnati.org.
About RedRover
Established in 1987, RedRover is a 501(c)(3) animal welfare nonprofit focused on bringing animals out of crisis and strengthening the human-animal bond through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. Since 2012, RedRover has awarded 248 grants to shelters in 48 states, totaling more than $5.8 million. Additionally, Safe Housing grants have created the first pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in 10 states! RedRover has earned a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. To learn how RedRover is creating a more compassionate world, visit RedRover.org.
About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations.
Purina manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. Nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit Purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.