Purple Leash Project Header: Black and white photo of a woman kissing her cat on a bed

The Purple Leash Project

Help survivors and pets find safety together

The Purple Leash Project

Help families and pets find safety together

In 2019, Purina and RedRover partnered to launch the Purple Leash Project to increase the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters nationwide and spread awareness about this vital issue.

The Issue

Statistics show an estimated one in three women and one in four men experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetimes – but currently only 19% of domestic violence shelters accept pets.

The Solution

Through our collaboration with Purina and other partners, we continue to advocate for change and serve the needs of domestic violence survivors and their pets by:

  • Awarding grants to help shelters become pet-friendly.
  • Engaging volunteers to help create pet-friendly spaces at shelters.
  • Increasing awareness of the issue.
  • Providing training and resources to domestic violence shelters.


Learn more

dog with cone_white

71% of women in domestic violence shelters report their abuser threatened, injured or killed a pet as a means of control.

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
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Nearly half of victims stay in abusive situations rather than leave their pet behind.

 Carlisle-Frank, Frank and Nielsen, (2004). Pets as Pawns.

Our goal is to see more U.S. domestic violence shelters create pet housing programs so no one has to choose between their safety and their pet.


OUR LONG-TERM GOAL?
Fundamentally change the landscape of domestic violence services for survivors with pets.

Our goal is to see


25%


of U.S. domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly by 2025.



OUR LONG-TERM GOAL?
Fundamentally change the landscape of domestic violence services for survivors with pets.

Support the Cause

Become a Monthly Donor

With a recurring donation of at least $5 a month, or a one-time gift of $60 or more, you’ll receive our limited-edition leash or cat collar featuring our Purple Leash Project motto: Walk. Heal. Together.

Share Our Flyer

Download and print the flyer and post in salons, pet supply stores, and other retailers that may reach those in need.

Download

Become a Monthly Donor

With a recurring donation of at least $5 a month, or a one-time gift of $60 or more, you’ll receive our limited-edition leash or cat collar featuring our Purple Leash Project motto: Walk. Heal. Together.

Share Our Flyer

Download and print the flyer and post in salons, pet supply stores, and other retailers that may reach those in need.

Download
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    Your mission means a lot to me. Yars ago I stayed in an abusive relationship because I didn't have the means to bring my dog. I never was able to bring him. I'm so glad you will be there for others!
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    As an abuse survivor who had to leave a puppy behind only to have my abuser kill the dog for spite, I hope my small donation can help someone else not have to make this gut wrenching choice.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Purple Leash Project donor
    I can't imagine having to choose between staying with an abusive partner and leaving my beloved and supportive pet behind.
    Purple Leash Project donor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    As someone who stayed in a bad situation too long because of my pet, this is exactly the sort of thing we need more of. I am so glad to see someone is addressing the need!
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    Wish I'd heard about you when I was having my own troubles. Hopefully this helps someone else get out sooner than I did.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    I am a domestic violence survivor. I had to leave my animals behind, which was the scariest part of leaving. I'm honored to be able to help.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    I am a survivor of domestic abuse with a cat and dog who were also with me during the abuse. I appreciate the Purple Leash Project and everything that they stand for because I know how it is to be in that situation. Thank you for all the work you guys do.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    As a survivor of sexual assault I applaud your recognition that pets are an essential part of the healing process. And that they are family members too!!
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    I'm so thankful that this program exists. A close loved one is in a domestic violence situation and couldn't leave their partner due to the shelter not accepting their pets. Please continue what you are doing. I truly hope it changes things.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    We love RedRover and all it does for animals in need, especially those being rescued from dangerous and disastrous situations. In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we felt it was a good time to donate a bit more than usual. I am a domestic abuse survivor and I got my corgi, Cheryl, to help with my PTSD about 2 years after I escaped my nightmare. She is my best friend and greatest comfort. We got involved with RedRover during the Purple Leash Project, and we use our leash every day! RedRover is close to my heart for that reason, and I want to make this gift on behalf of both me and Cheryl.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    I wish I had a place to go when I was in this very situation. This project is so very needed.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Purple Leash Project donor
    After reading the content on your website, I fell hard for this initiative. What a brilliant cause making sure that domestic violence shelters includes pets so that they can be together and heal together. It makes so much sense.
    Purple Leash Project donor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    My dog, my darling Bonnie, was the only reason I survived. Thank you for this [project].
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Purple Leash Project donor
    I lost my sister to domestic violence, she stayed with her husband because she didn't want to leave her big dogs. Thank you for all you are doing.
    Purple Leash Project donor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    This program is so incredibly important. I loved my dog but lost her because I had to leave. It's so good to see that this doesn't have to happen anymore to victims. Please don't stop until every DV shelter is pet friendly. Please.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor
  • Donor and domestic violence survivor
    Wish I knew about this a while ago for myself, but so grateful this exists & the help it will provide so many in such a terrible rock-and-a-hard-place situation.
    Donor and domestic violence survivor

Join the Purple Leash Project

Your donation will help make pet-friendly domestic violence shelters more accessible to survivors of domestic abuse and their pets.

Not ready to donate?

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