“Eighty-nine per cent of abused women say their partner has also abused their pet, and 56 per cent have delayed leaving an abusive relationship because they’re afraid for their pet’s safety.”
Executive director of the Dr. Margaret Savage Crisis Centre (DMSCC) Susan White knows there are a number of reasons preventing someone from leaving a violent relationship, and the women’s shelter is hoping to eliminate another obstacle.
The DMSCC is in the planning process of adding pet housing to their emergency shelter, which would allow clients to bring their dogs and cats with them when they’re fleeing an abusive relationship.
“Over the years, we’ve had women come from a distance who have brought their pets with them and we just couldn’t accommodate them in the shelter,” White explained.
She continued, “This is probably the worst time to have to leave a pet behind, especially if that pet has been threatened. Not only are they leaving it behind, they’re worried that they will be harmed.”
The design includes five kennels and a large visiting area with seating. The building will also have heat and running water.
Although space will be limited, White doesn’t believe they would “have to turn someone away because we have too many pets.”
The DMSCC is waiting to hear back from the city on their building permits before breaking ground. They’re hoping to have the service available sooner than later. Once it’s operational, White said the Cold Lake location will only be the ninth women’s shelter to offer pet housing in Canada.
While local kennels have taken animals in the past for women utilizing the DMSCC, there aren’t any within walking distance of the shelter and some pet owners want to be closer to them.
“It’s an added trauma to separate them from their animals, so we have had people come and only spend one night just because we don’t have a spot for their pets,” detailed White.
Offering on-site pet housing is one of the ways the DMSCC is trying to better assist their clients.
“We don’t want women to have to choose between their own, their pets’, or their kids’ safety, or have to go back,” expressed Cindy Yang, resource development coordinator for the shelter. “We just want to remove that barrier for them to make sure everyone who they care about, themselves, their kids, and their pets, can come here, seek shelter, safe housing, and not have to worry.”
While reaching out for assistance from the local community, Yang noted the response has been nothing but positive.
“People hear the stories and can make their own connection. I think they empathize too, putting themselves in those shoes to say, ‘you know, I wouldn’t like to be in that position. I couldn’t imagine that as a position to be in,’” she continued. “They’ve really commended the agency on this idea, and we’re really excited to have that kind of traction and support to help us push it forward.”
Since the program won’t be covered through government funding, the DMSCC is applying for grants and paying for the remainder through fundraising. They’re hoping to raise around $60,000 to put toward the project.
After realizing the impacts a client faces while being separated from their animal, the first donation for the project was received from a frontline worker with the DMSCC. White said that was one of the motivations for them to get the ball rolling on the initiative, and help families and their pets find a safe place to call home, even if it’s only temporary.
