3 Safety Planning Tips for Domestic Violence Survivors with Pets
You should already have a domestic violence safety plan for yourself if you are in or have recently left an abusive relationship, but do you have a domestic violence safety plan for your furry friends?
Whether you plan to stay, plan to leave, or have already left, use this safety plan template from Safe Havens for Pets to create a plan for your pets.
Then, I urge you to go over your entire safety plan with an advocate at your local domestic violence organization.
If You are Planning to Stay
- Keep emergency provisions for your pet in case your abuser withholds money
- Keep the phone number of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet clinic
- Establish ownership of your pet with a paper trail:
- Obtain a license
- Have vet record put in your name
If You are Planning to Leave
- Obtain safe emergency shelter
- Visit www.safehavensforpets.org to find shelters that will house you and your pet
- Pack a pet go bag that includes:
- Food & Medicine
- Documents of ownership
- ID & rabies tag
- Leash
- Carrier
- Toys
If You Have Already Left
- Keep pets indoors (if possible)
- Never let the pets outside alone
- Pick a safe route and time to walk your pet
- Don’t exercise/walk your pet alone
- Change your regular veterinarian
