RedRover Hits $6 Million in Grants Supporting Pets of Domestic Violence Survivors and Unhoused Individuals
Sacramento, California (August 25, 2025) – RedRover®, a national animal welfare 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has hit a huge milestone this grant round – exceeding $6 million in Safe Housing grant funding since the program’s inception in 2012. They awarded $387,000 in their second grant round of 2025. Thanks in part to Purina, PetSmart Charities, and two large anonymous donors, four domestic violence (DV) shelters and three homeless shelters can create or expand programming for the pets of survivors and people experiencing homelessness. RedRover + Purina’s Purple Leash Project (PLP) grants are an extension of Safe Housing grants.
The funding will support:
- Construction of pet housing facilities within existing shelters
- Installation of indoor and outdoor pet amenities, such as dog runs and play yards
- Privacy fencing
- Veterinary care
- Grooming areas
- Pet supplies
RedRover President and CEO Katie Campbell said, “With each new funding milestone achieved, we are proud to be a part of this movement that recognizes the strength of the human-animal bond. For every organization that builds dedicated space for pets of domestic violence survivors and the unhoused, they are saying ‘we see you, we hear you, and we also believe that pets are family.’”
DV Shelter Grantees:
- Arkansas: Pulaski County, Women and Children First: The Center Against Family Violence, $60,000
- Louisiana: Lafayette County, Faith House Inc., $60,000
- Ohio: Hamilton County, YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, $55,000 (Purple Leash Project grantee)
- *South Dakota: Brown County, Safe Harbor, $55,000
Homeless Shelter Grantees:
- Florida: Alachua County, Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry, dba GRACE, $37,000
- *Missouri: Boone County, Voluntary Action Center (VAC), $60,000
- Texas: Collin County, The Samaritan Inn, $60,000
*Shelters creating their first pet-friendly program.
“Thanks to the generosity of RedRover, the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center will be able to provide a safe, comforting space for the pets of survivors seeking refuge from abuse,” said Forest of Hope Family Peace Center/Women & Children First Chief Executive Officer Angela McGraw. “This new kennel will ensure that no one has to make the heartbreaking choice between personal safety and leaving a beloved pet behind. RedRover’s commitment to protecting both people and pets is helping us remove one of the most significant barriers survivors face when escaping abuse. Together, we are building a place at the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center where survivors and their pets can heal side-by-side, free from fear.”
“We are deeply grateful to RedRover for their generous grant, which will make a profound impact on the lives we serve at Faith House,” said Faith House Director of Housing/Pet Advocate Rebecca McMillan.
Samaritan Inn Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Heather Molsbee said, “RedRover’s interest in our kennel alone is invaluable as we strive to spread the awareness and importance of ensuring all family members, even those with paws and fur, receive support with dignity and care. To receive funding in addition to awareness is a game-changer for our residents. Expanding our kennel means more households can choose safe shelter over their cars, and now that choice can be made for dogs AND cats with our new kennel plans. Thanks to RedRover, Pets Are Welcome To Stay (PAWS) can go to the next level!”
“RedRover’s Safe Housing grant will allow us to double our kennel capacity, giving our guests the peace of mind and flexibility they need to focus on securing stable housing at their own pace, said GRACE Animal Welfare Manager Jacob Schaffer. “It will also help us improve the comfort and safety of our open-air kennels by adding new lighting and fans, ensuring proper airflow during the day and safe, well-lit spaces at night for the pets in our care.”
VAC Executive Director, Ed Stansberry said, “RedRover’s Safe Housing grant will enable those experiencing homelessness to keep their pets close by while being sheltered at The Opportunity Campus. In addition, our Campus Companions program will greatly benefit from RedRover’s shared knowledge and expertise on kennel best practices.”
“Thanks to the RedRover Safe Housing grant, Safe Harbor can now ensure that survivors entering our shelter don’t have to leave their beloved pets behind, said their Executive Director, Gina Karst. “Keeping families—pets included—together during a time of crisis provides comfort, safety, and healing.”
RedRover is grateful for its partners and donors for supporting survivors and their pets. KONG® is providing dog and cat toys to all Safe Housing grantees through 2025. With the generosity of PetSmart Charities, RedRover and Greater Good Charities launched the 25 by 2025 campaign in 2023, with the support of Purina, to help 25% of DV shelters become pet friendly by the end of 2025. The current percentage of pet-friendly shelters is 19.5%.
Safe Housing grants of up to $60,000 are available for domestic violence and animal shelters. RedRover hopes to acquire more funding to support homeless shelters in 2026.. Safe Housing grant application deadlines are March 1, June 1, and September 1.
Pets and Domestic Violence:
- 91% of survivors indicated that their pets’ emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal
- 50% of survivors report that they would not consider shelter for themselves if they couldn’t take their pet with them.
Pets and Homelessness:
- It has been estimated that as many as 3.5 million people experience homelessness per year, and as many as 25% have pets.
- Non-pet-friendly shelters force people to choose between their pets and supportive services.
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About RedRover
Founded in 1987, RedRover focuses 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 255 grants to shelters in 49 states, totaling more than $6.1 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.
Contact:
Sheri Madsen
916.600.8157