Foster Pet Program - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center

Woman petting her dog

Beacon of Hope Crisis Center's
Foster Pet Program

Our Foster Pet Program aims to alleviate a common barrier that we see domestic and sexual violence victims struggle with in Central Indiana. This program helps to break the cycle of violence because it safely allows human victims of domestic and sexual violence to flee without worrying about the safety and well being of their beloved pets; or surrendering their pets. We are not a re-homing program. Our program temporarily places pet victims with foster families for up to 90 days while their owner seeks shelter, works on becoming self-sufficient, and securing permanent housing and then they are reunited with their beloved pets.

Two dogs laying with their owner

Pet cuddling with woman

Foster Pet Program Services:

Temporary foster care for the pets of victims that are actively fleeing domestic and sexual violence
Pet Safety Planning
Pet-friendly emergency hotel stays when funds are available
Assistance with filing a protective order and adding your pets to it
Community trainings on The Link Between Domestic Violence and Pet Abuse
Referrals to low-cost veterinarian services
Referrals to pet-friendly housing with no weight or breed restrictions

How Abusers Use Pets To Gain Power & Control

Abusers often will threaten to harm or kill pets as a way to gain power and control over their primary victim

Pet abuse silences victims and is a significant barrier that prevents them from leaving unsafe relationships

Abusers specifically choose pets as targets because they incorrectly believe that law enforcement doesn't care about animal abuse and think that they can get away with it

Foster Pet Program Requirements:

You must be a victim actively fleeing domestic violence or sexual assault.
You must be receiving advocacy services, either from Beacon of Hope Crisis Center or another domestic violence or sexual assault agency.
You must be able to provide proof of ownership for your pets. If you are unsure of what ownership documents will be approved, please ask during your initial crisis call to the agency.
You must have the pets in your possession. Please note that if law enforcement is not involved and your pets are currently residing with your abuser, we cannot assist with safely retrieving them. If law enforcement is involved, we can work with law enforcement to safely retrieve your pets.
You must have transportation or access to transportation for the transfer of pets to our agency for the Foster Pet Program.
The pets entering the Foster Pet Program must be spayed, neutered, micro-chipped, and up to date on all needed vaccinations.
- If the pets need any of these services, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center will have them done at no cost to the victim if the pet victim is going into the program.

It is important to note that no victims are permitted to communicate with the Foster Pet Caregiver or any veterinarian clinic that may be providing services to the pets. All direct communication will funnel through the Director of Primary Prevention. This is to protect the safety and confidentiality of all parties involved. There are no exceptions to this protocol.

The Link Between Domestic Violence and Pet Abuse

“When animals are abused, people are at risk. When people are abused, animals are at risk.”

Research shows a connection between animal cruelty and violence against humans, including child abuse, domestic abuse, and elder abuse. Abused animals are a sign that others in the household may be in danger. Abusers often target pets to exert control over their partner.

Did you know? 99% of people who share their lives with companion animals consider their animals to be "family members" or "companions"

Did you know? Pet abuse is 1 of the 4 predictors of domestic violence

Did you know? 37 states, including Indiana, now allow pets to be added to protective orders

Statistics About the Link

In 2021, 97% of victims said that keeping their pets with them is an important factor in deciding whether or not to seek shelter.
In 2021, 50% of victims would not consider shelter for themselves if they could not take their pets with them.
In 2021, 91% indicated that their pet’s emotional support and physical protection are significant in their ability to survive and heal.
Up to 48% of victims worry that the abusive partner would harm or kill their pets; 37% reported that the abusive partner had already threatened to harm or kill the pets, and 29% said pets had already been harmed or killed.
72% of victims are not aware that some domestic violence shelters accept pets.
In situations when domestic violence shelters cannot accept pets for a variety of reasons (allergies, aggression, etc.) Beacon of Hope Crisis Center's Foster Pet Program collaborates with shelters to help keep those pets safe.
76% of domestic violence victims whose partners had a history of pet abuse, had been strangled by them.
In homes with domestic violence, 50% of children have reported that the abuser has threatened to harm or kill a beloved animal in order to maintain control over their human victims.
Abuse of companion animals is one of the four most significant risk factors associated with someone committing domestic abuse and is an indicator of the use of controlling and violent behaviors.
Up to 50% of victims delay leaving for fear of what will happen to their pets and 25% return back to their abusers out of fear.

Pet Bird

Dog sleeping on a bed

Hamster peeking out of it's wheel

Beacon of Hope Crisis Center's
Foster Pet Program Sponsor