New Safe Housing Grants Help Survivors and Their Pets Stay Together

Animal Welfare

Jul 2

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For many survivors of domestic violence, leaving an abusive situation isn't as simple as walking away. A heartbreaking reality is that many delay seeking safety because they fear what will happen to their beloved pets if they leave them behind.

To help remove that barrier, RedRover has awarded $473,085 in Safe Housing grants during its first funding round of 2026. The grants will help domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and animal shelters create or expand pet-friendly housing programs so survivors can escape abuse without being separated from their animals.

Why Pet-Friendly Shelters Matter

Research has shown that concern for a pet's safety can prevent survivors from leaving dangerous situations. Many abusers use threats or harm toward animals as a way to control their victims, making access to safe housing for both people and pets an essential part of survivor support.

Pet-friendly shelter programs allow families to remain together while beginning the healing process, eliminating the impossible choice between personal safety and protecting a beloved companion animal.

Eight Organizations Receive Funding

This year's grants will support eight organizations across the United States, including six domestic violence shelters, one homeless shelter, and one animal shelter.

Several of the funded organizations will establish their first-ever pet-friendly housing programs, expanding access to lifesaving services for survivors and their animals. The domestic violence shelters receiving grants are located in:

Connecticut
Georgia
Illinois
Kansas
Texas
Utah

Additional grants were awarded to an animal shelter in Virginia and a homeless shelter in Florida. Four domestic violence shelters received funding through the Purple Leash Project, a partnership between RedRover and Purina that helps create pet-friendly domestic violence shelters nationwide.

Removing a Barrier to Safety

Jordan Molina, Advancement Director at The Heights Ellis County Family Resources in Texas, emphasized the impact the funding will have on survivors in the community.

The organization is launching its new Safe Pets at The Heights program, which will provide a trauma-informed environment where survivors and their pets can remain together while rebuilding their lives. As Molina noted, concern for a pet's well-being is often one of the greatest obstacles preventing victims from leaving abusive situations.

By creating safe spaces for the entire family—including companion animals—these programs give survivors one less reason to stay in harm's way.

Community Partnerships Make It Possible

The Safe Housing grants are made possible through the support of donors and partners, including Purina. For the third consecutive year, KONG® will also provide toys and treats to every Safe Housing grant recipient, helping pets feel more comfortable as they adjust to a new environment.

These collaborations demonstrate how nonprofits, businesses, and donors can work together to improve outcomes for both people and animals.

Protecting Families Means Protecting Pets

Ohio Animal Advocates recognizes the strong connection between human and animal welfare. When survivors have access to safe housing that welcomes pets, they are better able to leave abusive situations, begin healing, and keep every member of the family together.

Expanding pet-friendly shelter programs is an important step toward ensuring that no one has to choose between their own safety and the safety of a beloved companion animal.