Pet Fostering and Gratitude

By: Cheyenne Taylor

The link between pet abuse and domestic violence is pervasive; in fact, pet abuse is one of four indicators of domestic violence within a household. We recognize that pets are the silent witnesses and secondary victims in violent homes. Animals are often threatened, abused, and killed in some cases.

Many survivors utilize our Foster Pet Program in order to guarantee the safety of their beloved pets. Survivors connect with our Director of Primary Prevention to complete an intake. Then, those who qualify will be paired with one of our Foster Pet Caregivers. If placement is available, our Director of Primary Prevention will arrange the details to safely deliver the pet(s) to the caregiver's home.  They also stay in contact with the caregiver to give updates on the pet’s progress to the survivor.
 
Our Foster Pet Caregivers are the heart of this program. If these wonderful people weren’t willing to open their homes and their hearts, survivors would have to stress over the safety of their pets or even give them away to protect them. In extreme cases, survivors might stay in a violent home to try to protect their pet(s) This program and our caregivers ensure that these survivors do not have to experience the additional trauma of pet loss. Thank you to everyone that has shown support to survivors at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center.
 
How can you help?

• You can donate to help fund our program so that we can provide resources and medical care for our pets. Learn More: Reasons to Donate
• Become a foster caregiver through and open your home and heart to these wonderful pets.  Learn More: Becoming a Foster Family
• Share posts and help raise awareness by talking about free community resources. Learn More: Media Page