Red Rover and Purina Purple Leash Project

Red Rover is a non profit with a mission to preserve the human-animal bond by providing financial assistance, resources and support to low-income individuals and survivors of domestic violence and their pets, so families can escape together and stay together. And with Purina they are combining efforts with the Purple Leash Project.  The idea is to transform shelters for victims of domestic violence to allow pets.  Nicole Forsyth, Red Rover CEO explains.

Only around 10 percent of domestic violence shelters allow family pets. By allowing pets, people are more likely to escape the abuser. By escaping the abuser, the humans in the home (potentially including children) and their pets are no longer victims. In worst case scenarios people and/or animals are actually killed by abusers. The abuse must stop, but understandably people don’t want to leave their pets behind. Red Rover also offers safe escape grants, which Forsyth explains

We also talk about how Purina PetCare, Bayer Corporation, Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Noah’s Animal House. Pet Partners and Urban Resource Institute made the PAWS Act happen to support safe spaces for pets.

Meanwhile, if you know a victim of domestic violence safeplaceforpets.org offers on-site housing, off-site housing, and community programs for people and pets who need a safe escape from domestic violence or check out the Purple Leash Project.