In this episode of the Justice Today podcast, Office for Victims of Crime Director Kristina Rose and Nancy Blaney, Director of Government Affairs at the Animal Welfare Institute, discuss shelter services for crime survivors and their companion animals.
This episode of the Justice Today podcast discusses how the need for secure housing for victims of crime and their companion animals led to the creation of the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program, known as PAWS. Office for Victims of Crime Director Kristina Rose and Nancy Blaney, Director of Government Affairs at the Animal Welfare Institute, speak about how this program is ensuring that victims and their pets can access shelter services. Many victims are hesitant to leave abusive situations if they have a pet because they don't want to leave the pet behind. They are worried that something will happen to that pet based on the violence that they have experienced or that the pet has experienced in that situation. Most domestic violence shelters are not equipped to be able to take pets, which can lead to survivors making the decision not to leave, leading to further violence. The PAWS program addresses this gap and ensures that shelters and transitional housing services can accommodate victims of domestic violence and their companion animals.